Austrian defender had been progressing through rehabilitation after undergoing surgery, but a new calf issue has further delayed his return
David Alaba will be unable to feature in the Club World Cup after Real Madrid confirmed the veteran defender has picked up a calf injury, the latest blow in a season riddled with physical setbacks for the Austrian.
Alaba has yet to play a single minute in the tournament, with the 33-year-old still working back to fitness after undergoing surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee earlier this year. He had been progressing through his rehabilitation in Florida, but Madrid have now acknowledged that a new calf issue has delayed his return.
“David is taking a bit longer [to recover],” said Alonso. “After the [meniscus] operation, we need to be cautious and patient. So, step by step, we’ll wait a bit longer.”
Patience has become a necessity for Alonso this summer. Injuries have robbed him of several senior players so far in his Madrid tenure. Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal and Eduardo Camavinga have all been easing their way back into full training at Madrid’s temporary base in Palm Beach, while Ferland Mendy and teenage sensation Endrick have remained in Spain for treatment.
Alonso offered some hope to Madridistas regarding Camavinga, who suffered ligament damage late in the season.
“Eduardo is taking great steps forward in his recovery,” said Alonso. “Hopefully we’ll have him back, I don’t know if for the next game or if we go further.”
