Defensive Worries Mount for Real Madrid

Trouble keeps piling up in Real Madrid’s back line. On Tuesday, the club confirmed that David Alaba will miss Sunday’s El Clásico against FC Barcelona after suffering a muscle issue. The Austrian center-back made his first league start of the season against Getafe but lasted only 45 minutes before being substituted at halftime.

Medical tests carried out this morning revealed an injury that will sideline him for at least the next few games, deepening Xabi Alonso’s defensive crisis.

What Injury Does David Alaba Have?

Although Real Madrid have not yet released an official medical statement, reports from the club indicate that Alaba has sustained a strain in the soleus muscle of his right leg. While not a major injury, it arrives at the worst possible moment, as Alonso struggles to rebuild his defense amid multiple absences.

The Austrian joins an increasingly crowded injury list, leaving Los Blancos short of experienced options ahead of a crucial week.

A Defense in Crisis for Xabi Alonso

Antonio Rüdiger remains sidelined with a thigh problem that will keep him out until December, while Carvajal, Arnold, and Huijsen are racing against time to be fit for Barcelona, though none have yet returned to full fitness.

Ferland Mendy has resumed training but hasn’t played since May. The only other injured player, Dani Ceballos, could make it back in time for the mid-week Champions League fixture and possibly El Clásico.

For Xabi Alonso, the situation is complicated: key absences in defense just as Real Madrid face their toughest stretch of the season.

How Long Will Alaba Be Out and Which Matches Will He Miss?

While the club has not specified an exact recovery period, David Alaba is expected to be out for seven to ten days. That rules him out of:

• 🏆 Real Madrid vs Juventus – October 22 (Champions League)
• ⚽ Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona – October 26 (La Liga – El Clásico)

If recovery goes as planned, Alaba could return for the La Liga match against Valencia on November 1.

A Costly Absence Before El Clásico

Alaba’s injury is a major setback for Real Madrid, coming just before a decisive run of fixtures. His leadership, experience, and ability to organize the back line will be sorely missed in a match that often defines the league’s early momentum.

With the defense stretched thin and several players still in doubt, Xabi Alonso faces one of his toughest challenges yet: keeping Real Madrid solid and competitive without one of his defensive pillars.