David Alaba returned to the pitch for Real Madrid against Las Palmas on Sunday after 399 days out of action due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
Real triumphed 4-1 against Las Palmas on the weekend, and though Kylian Mbappe scored twice, it was Alaba's comeback that will have pleased boss Carlo Ancelotti the most.
The 32-year-old defender played an integral part in Real Madrid's successful Champions League campaign in 2022-23, helping his side win their 14th European Cup title.
Alaba was substituted on in the 76th minute for centre-back Antonio Rudiger, and his return will be welcomed by Real fans considering defenders Eder Militao and Daniel Carvajal are not set to return this season after suffering cruciate ligament injuries themselves.
The return of Alaba could be a pivotal point in Real's season, as he is among the most versatile players in world football and is capable of performing exceptionally well in a variety of roles.
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Could Real win the Champions League?
Real are by no means guaranteed a place in the Champions League round of 16 given they are 20th in the league phase and currently occupy a playoff spot.
Los Blancos' two remaining games in the competition are against Red Bull Salzburg and Ligue 1 club Brest, so while qualification for the playoffs is not guaranteed, Ancelotti's side should be considered strong favourites to progress.
Alaba will need time to build his fitness and rhythm, but should Real reach the latter stages of the Champions League, his calm temperament could complement Rudiger's more aggressive style of defending.
The Austrian's return could also allow Aurelien Tchouameni to feature more regularly in midfield, something that could in turn help the team sustain attacks.
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Could Real rebuild their defence in the summer?
Alaba could also be key for Real Madrid as his return is arguably like a new signing, and he may eliminate the need for the Spanish giants to act in the January transfer market.
Los Blancos have been linked with a move for Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold this month, but perhaps Alaba's return from injury will make the club's hierarchy reconsider their approach this winter.
However, the Austrian defender is 32 and will undoubtedly have to be phased out as a regular in the XI at some point, so looking for someone of comparable composure would be sensible.
William Saliba of Arsenal is rumoured to be a target for the Spanish side, and considering his contract will expire in 2027, it would not be surprising if he was prioritised as a long-term replacement for Alaba.
Lewis Nolan
