The Austrian defender left the field early in the contest after taking a knock around the 40th minute of the first half, forcing Real Madrid to reshuffle their plans on the fly. The incident occurred during the clash with Las Palmas at the Santiago Bernabéu, part of LaLiga’s Week 7 program for the 2023-24 season.
During the 40th minute, alarm bells started ringing on the Real Madrid bench as David Alaba signaled for attention and requested a substitution. He departed the pitch on his own accord, making way for Lucas Vázquez as the team sought to manage a potential problem. The substitution moment was abrupt and drew questions about the immediate impact on the defense and the broader tactical setup for the remainder of the game.
As for the nature of the ailment, the club’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, later indicated that Alaba is dealing with a suspected abductor strain. While it remains too early to define the exact severity, the medical team planned to conduct a series of tests on Thursday to determine the extent of the issue and outline a rehabilitation plan if needed. Alaba’s injury history, which includes prior incidents last season, adds a layer of concern about his readiness for an intense part of the schedule in the weeks ahead.
Looking at the calendar, Real Madrid faces a busy period that could be affected by any setback. Immediately after hosting Las Palmas, the team is slated to travel to Girona for a league fixture, followed by a trip to take on Napoli on October 3 in the second matchday of the Champions League group stage. The upcoming games represent a demanding sequence in Europe’s premier club competition and in Spain’s top flight, where every point counts in the pursuit of silverware this season.
In the broader context of the squad, the potential absence of a player of Alaba’s experience would require adjustments across the back line and midfield, with the coaching staff prepared to adapt as results and fitness news unfold. The situation underscores the fast pace of a season that blends domestic commitments with European obligations, and highlights the watchful eye the staff keeps on every fitness development as the team aims to maintain consistency across competitions.