David Alaba Undergoes Meniscus Surgery Today

Austria's football star David Alaba is set to undergo surgery today due to a meniscus tear in his left knee, as reported by various Spanish media outlets. This procedure aims to enhance his chances of participating in the upcoming Club World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 14. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that Alaba will be available for the start of the World Cup qualifiers, which include matches against Romania and San Marino on June 7 and June 10, respectively.

The expected recovery time for Alaba is estimated at six to eight weeks. This timeline suggests that he could potentially return in time for the Club World Cup, which runs until July 13, with a group stage match against Red Bull Salzburg slated for June 26, just eight weeks away. Earlier this year, there had been speculation about Alaba's comeback against Salzburg, coinciding with a significant defeat for the team in the Champions League.

Last year, Alaba faced a challenging period, having missed the entirety of 2024 due to serious knee injuries, including a cruciate ligament tear sustained in December 2023. As a result, he watched Real Madrid's triumphs in the Champions League and the domestic league from the sidelines. Currently, Alaba finds himself in a spectator role once again, as Real Madrid focuses on capturing the league title after their recent exits from both the Champions League and the national cup competitions, leaving them four points behind rivals Barcelona.

Since his return in January, Alaba has struggled to regain his position as a regular starter for the team. His performances have led to speculation about his future with the club, particularly as the season draws to a close. Earlier this season, he faced another setback due to an adductor injury in his left leg, which sidelined him for two weeks. This is not the first time Alaba has dealt with issues affecting his left leg; he has previously suffered from a stress fracture in July 2021 and an inner ligament tear in March 2015.

Real Madrid is currently facing a defensive crisis, with fellow defender Antonio Rüdiger also undergoing knee surgery that will keep him out for several weeks. Additionally, Ferland Mendy's surgery is scheduled for today, further complicating the team's defensive lineup. Both Real Madrid's head coach Carlo Ancelotti and Austria's national team coach Ralf Rangnick will need to consider alternative strategies as they navigate these injuries.