Real Madrid hit with another injury ahead of El Clasico as David Alaba suffers 'severe' setback

Madrid’s defensive concerns have worsened after Alaba sustained a right calf strain that will sideline him for over a week, according to The Athletic. The 33-year-old was withdrawn at halftime during Madrid’s 2-0 win over Getafe, his first La Liga start of the campaign, after feeling discomfort in the muscle. Follow-up scans confirmed the strain, ruling him out of the Champions League clash against Juventus and the weekend’s El Clasico against Barcelona.

Reports indicate that while Alaba avoided a muscle tear, the strain is “severe" enough to require a recovery period of seven to 10 days. His absence leaves Xabi Alonso with a selection headache as Madrid prepare for two of their most crucial fixtures in October.

Head coach Alonso explained after the Getafe match that Alaba was taken off as a precaution, though later tests confirmed the severity of the injury. “Alaba has noticed, not an injury, but his calf was getting stiff,” Alonso said at full time. Those results, however, have now confirmed a setback for the Austrian defender, who has endured a string of fitness issues over the past two seasons.

Alonso further addressed the situation in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, stating: “We’re going to take it day by day. Trent [Alexander-Arnold] and [Dani] Carvajal have done some work. Looking ahead to tomorrow, I don’t think they’ll be ready.” His words underlined Madrid’s mounting defensive dilemma ahead of key European and domestic games.

Alaba’s injury adds to an already depleted backline for Los Blancos as Antonio Rudiger remains sidelined with a left leg muscle problem, Dean Huijsen is recovering from a calf issue, and captain Dani Carvajal continues to nurse his own calf complaint. Trent Alexander-Arnold has not featured since picking up a hamstring injury in September.

Raul Asencio partnered Eder Militao at centre-back in the second half against Getafe, and that pairing could continue in the short term. The situation is far from ideal for Alonso, who faces two must-win games in the space of five days. The lack of defensive stability will likely force tactical adjustments, especially against Juve’s counterattacks and Barcelona’s high pressing.

This latest setback is the continuation of a difficult injury run for Alaba, the Austrian international has already missed large portions of the past two seasons, including the Club World Cup earlier this year due to a left calf problem. He also sat out the final stretch of the 2024-25 campaign with a meniscus injury, following his long recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament tear suffered in December 2023.

The repeated nature of his injuries has sparked internal discussions over his long-term fitness and future at the club. Reports in Spain suggest Alaba could be among the players considered for departure in the January transfer window, especially with Madrid exploring defensive reinforcements.

Madrid return to Champions League action against Juve before hosting Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the season at the Santiago Bernabeu. With Alaba unavailable, Alonso will rely on Militao and Asencio as his central pairing, while hoping to recover Rudiger or Huijsen in time for the weekend showdown.

For Barca, Alaba’s absence offers a potential boost, with the Catalans looking to exploit Madrid’s weakened defence. Beyond the immediate fixtures, Madrid’s medical team will closely monitor Alaba’s recovery to avoid aggravating the injury, a scenario that could sideline him for much longer during a packed schedule.