Real Madrid have reportedly pencilled in a potential return date for defender David Alaba.
The Austria international has not played for the club since he sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in a home game against Villarreal in December 2023.
There was hope that Alaba would return for the latter stages of this year, but it soon became clear that his recovery was slower than originally planned.
Alaba's recovery has become more important in recent weeks following the news that Eder Militao has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury for the second year in a row.
As a result, Carlo Ancelotti has been left light in central defence, leading to the recent decision to call up Raul Asencio from the Castilla side.
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When will Alaba return to action?
While Alaba still has work to do to complete his recovery progress, Real Madrid have reportedly drawn up a date for his long-awaited return to action.
According to AS, the European champions are hoping Alaba will be able to return to competitive action at the beginning of the new year.
However, Real Madrid have stopped short of pinpointing a game for Alaba's return, having already pushed the date back on a couple of occasions.
The Spanish giants are keen to adopt a cautious approach as Alaba continues to build up his fitness on the training pitch.
If he were to return at the start of 2025, Alaba could play some part in the Spanish Super Cup, with Real Madrid set to face Mallorca in the semi-final on January 9.
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Will Alaba's return affect Real Madrid's January business
There is speculation that Real Madrid could delve into the transfer market to sign a new centre-back following Militao's serious knee injury.
Al-Nassr's Aymeric Laporte has emerged as a target, while former Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso is thought to be on Real Madrid's radar.
However, Real Madrid may decide to put their centre-back pursuit on hold until at least the summer if it becomes clear that Alaba is ready to play a key role in the second half of the season.
With that said, Los Blancos will want to avoid putting too much pressure on Alaba's shoulders when he does return to action.
Even when the Austrian is fit, Real Madrid will still lack strength-in-depth in the centre-back position, which is why it seems likely they will strengthen in January, even if Alaba is available for selection.
