Despite multiple injury setbacks, Real Madrid are willing to sell David Alaba this summer, though the Austrian international remains determined to stay at the club.
According to Real Madrid's official statement, the Austrian center-back has suffered another soleus muscle injury, ruling him out for a month. This marks his third injury of the season. After returning from a cruciate ligament injury that kept him sidelined for 399 days on January 19 last year, he sustained a left adductor muscle tear just a month later, forcing a two-week absence.
Following his injury in the recent Club World Cup, Alaba will miss the remainder of the season. Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso currently has only three central defenders available: Antonio Rüdiger, Waisen, and Marco Asensio. Brazilian defender Éder Militão is expected to return during the Club World Cup knockout stage, targeting a comeback in the match against Juventus.
Real Madrid's current central defensive roster includes Militão, Rüdiger, Asensio, Waisen, and Alaba. Despite having five options, the club aims to expand the position to six players. When manager Xabi Alonso opts for a three-at-the-back system, Castilla youngster Joan Martínez is set to gain more playing time. The youngster, who missed last season with a torn cruciate ligament, shone during last year's preseason tour in the United States.
Alaba, who has been sidelined for over a year due to a severe cruciate ligament injury, returned to action last season but has struggled to regain his pre-injury form, compounded by recent muscle issues. With one year left on his contract and an after-tax salary of nearly €13 million, Real Madrid are open to listening to offers for the defender. However, he intends to fulfill his contract, and the club will respect his decision.
