Worrying scenes for Real Madrid as David Alaba is forced off early against Villarreal after horrible knee twist - adding to Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive woes

The centre-back twisted his knee awkwardly in the turf in the first half of Madrid's La Liga clash with Villarreal. After spending two minutes down on the ground clutching his left knee, he was helped off the field.

Alaba's injury — if it is as serious as it appeared — leaves Madrid with only two fit senior centre-backs. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has already deputised in central defence this year, meaning manager Carlo Ancelotti has a lot to ponder.

Madrid have suffered a handful of knee injuries already this season. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois tore his ACL the week before the La Liga opener. Militao lasted less than an hour of Los Blancos' first game before sustaining an ACL injury of his own. Eduardo Camavinga is out until the new year after tearing a knee ligament on France duty.

The defender will likely need tests before determining the severity of his injury. Serious ligament damage would certainly rule him out for the season.