David Alaba says he's ready to play 90 minutes as injured star awaits Real Madrid return after 'positive conversation' with Xabi Alonso

The 32-year-old defender put to rest recent rumours that linked him with a departure from Madrid. Alaba laughed off the claims and has his mind fully on his return from injury instead of a fresh start elsewhere. The ex-Bayern Munich player has been out of action for much of his time at Madrid due to a string of serious injuries, but hopes to make his first appearance under the new coach soon.

Alaba's situation at Madrid is complex and has been heavily defined by his injury struggles. Since joining the club in mid-2021, he has played shockingly few matches due to a series of significant and recurring injuries. His most severe setback was a major ACL rupture in December 2023, which sidelined him for over a year. Since then, he has faced a frustrating succession of muscle and knee issues, including a meniscus tear that forced him to miss the Club World Cup.

Alonso, who played with Alaba at Bayern, is reportedly exploring a new role for him, potentially in central midfield, a position the Austria star has excelled at for both Bayern and his national team. This tactical shift could be a way for Alaba to reignite his career at the club, where he currently is considered a fifth-choice centre-back, having spent the first three La Liga games of the season on the bench.

In an interview with Sport 1, Alaba spoke about his return from injury as he said: "I feel very good and have made good progress in the last few months. I think I'd be able to play 90 minutes for the national team right now.  don't know if it would make sense. The next few games will show how it is."

He further added: "In the last few weeks, I had to go through a certain process to be fit to play again. The process isn't over yet; the next steps will come with the games. My goal is to play games, to be on the pitch."

Asked about reports of a summer move, he said: "I've been in the business long enough. Rumors like that are part of it. Thankfully, they're things I don't dwell on for too long. "

The next step for Alaba is to earn playing time. His goal is to re-establish his position at Madrid, whether it is in his traditional defensive role or a new one in midfield as experimented with by Alonso. He is also focused on his national team duties, hoping to help Austria qualify for next summer's World Cup.