Fifth serious knee injury for Real Madrid
David Alaba stayed on the pitch until the 35th minute of the Villarreal match, seemingly shaken and momentarily paralyzed by the incident. Real Madrid confirmed the worst news at the end of the game, reporting a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament of the left knee. This diagnosis signaled the start of a difficult period for the Austrian defender and for the team, with surgery expected in the coming days and the season likely over for him. The injury added to a growing list of setbacks Real Madrid had faced, compounding the grueling run of matches this campaign.
Arda Güler out for another month due to injury
Real Madrid indicated that Arda Güler would miss roughly another month as he battles a knee issue. The young midfielder has faced frustration because his return to action could not come sooner. The team and supporters have watched closely as he works through rehabilitation, hoping for a swift return to the field.
Alaba became the fifth Real Madrid player to suffer a serious knee injury. The club initially confirmed the Austrian defender would undergo surgery in the days ahead, signaling the end of his season. This series of injuries has been a recurring challenge for the squad, testing depth and resilience under pressure from a demanding schedule.
The club also noted that Militao and Courtois had faced knee problems earlier in the season, while Camavinga suffered an external ligament tear in his right knee. Such incidents have not only drained squad depth but also forced tactical adjustments in every competition the team contested. A string of positive results was nevertheless maintained despite these losses.
The Austrian player’s injury was diagnosed quickly, and teammates and the Bernabéu crowd recognized its severity. Rodrygo described the moment as very sad and worrying after the match, while Toni Kroos expressed support on social media as soon as the final whistle sounded.
Rüdiger and Nacho are the only pure centre-backs
Alaba’s fall began during a physical clash with Gerard Moreno when his left leg became caught and the pain forced him off the pitch. He exited the field with the help of Real Madrid medical staff and could not bear weight on the leg, making way for Nacho. The change left a gap in the central defense, prompting Carlo Ancelotti to rethink defensive structure as injuries mounted.
As Rodrygo noted, Ancelotti had admitted it was a setback and that the team felt deep disappointment. The ongoing injuries have driven tactical reassessment, with the club relying on just two natural centre-backs staying available. This situation underscored the need for flexibility and depth in the squad to cope with a congested fixture list.
The latest setback intensified the defensive challenge, moving the manager to consider how best to rebuild the back line while preserving balance in attack. The absence of a broader pool of centre-backs forced experimentation and careful management of minutes across competitions.
The nightmare continues as Camavinga out for at least two months
In a further blow, Fran García also experienced a late substitution at halftime, with Mendy coming on to replace him due to discomfort in the right leg. This added to a sequence of injuries that have limited competition time for several players early in the season. The earlier season included a knee issue for Camavinga, who has missed significant time due to a rupture in the external collateral ligament on his right knee, further reducing options in midfield and defense alike.
Will Real Madrid enter the winter market?
With Mendy and Tchouaméni both available again against Villarreal, the club explored defensive reinforcement options as a potential midseason addition. The head coach left the door open to possibilities in the coming days, signaling a willingness to reinforce the squad if needed to cover the injury crisis.
Currently, eight players are recorded as sidelined. In addition to those already mentioned, Courtois suffers a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in the left knee, Militao a tear of the anterior cruciate in the right knee, Camavinga a rupture of the external collateral ligament in the right knee, and a troubling right quadriceps tear has affected another player. Carvajal also had a left soleus issue, while Vinicius faced a left biceps femoris injury. These injuries collectively tested the team’s depth and continuity across competitions.