Another ACL nightmare for Real Madrid! David Alaba the latest to suffer horror knee injury as team-mates Toni Kroos, Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz send messages of support after Villarreal clash

Alaba had to be helped off the pitch after twisting his left knee in the first half of Madrid's La Liga clash with Villarreal. He was unable to put weight on the injured leg. Los Blancos later confirmed that the centre-back had torn his ACL.

Kroos was one of a number of Madrid players who showed support for Alaba. He posted on X, formely known as Twitter with the simple message: "I love you David Alaba"

Rodrygo commented on Alaba's injury in a post-match interview: "We have to wait for Alaba's tests, but he was very sad when we saw him at half-time."

Diaz also offered support: "I want to send a message to David Alaba. We are with him and we hope it's as light as possible."

Madrid are now down to two fit senior centre-backs. Eder Militao tore his ACL in the first game of the season, and Los Blancos have no other apparent options in the first team.

The centre-back will undergo surgery in the coming days, and will miss the remainder of the season. Madrid, meanwhile, may find themselves having to dip into the transfer market in January to bring in cover.