Alaba’s return: 399 days, many doubts, the shock of Militao’s second injury and an afternoon of hugs at the Bernabéu

• SANTIAGO SIGUERO

Updated 01/21/2025 – 12:37CET

He did not score, he did not assist and he was hardly required in a game, the Real Madrid-Las Palmaswhich his team dominated and won with ease. But Sunday afternoon at the Bernabéu was one of the most special in the life of David Alabaa footballer used to winning the most important titles, but who in the last three months has faced to the most complicated moment of his sporting life.

The cruciate injury, which marked 399 days on Sunday, has been an extreme test for Alaba’s spirit.a temperate footballer, not fond of excesses on and off the playing fields, discreet and close in his dealings with those around him on a daily basis. A day to day that, since December 2023, has had more to do with doctors, physiotherapists and recoverers that with the ball, the center of the world for any footballer…

The serious injury suffered 13 months ago in a game with hardly any history, in a play that seemed like just another one, has tested Alaba’s characterwho has gone through every possible state of mind during his long and complicated recovery. There was no shortage of doubts, many doubts, justified by the seriousness of the mishapwho harassed him especially in the first days after the unfortunate action in which his knee creaked.

I am very happy. It’s a special day for me. I thank the fans. I have waited a long time for this moment because last year was very hard and long. I have worked very hard every day waiting for this moment. Coming home has been very nice

David Alaba, Real Madrid player

Doubts, relapses, stops when the process seemed to accelerate, also days of happiness after a session with good feelings. But the fear was always there, on the surface. In the locker room they remember how Alaba went down to the locker room, completely distraught, when Militao suffered his second cruciate injury, at the beginning of December, in a shot attempt in the League match against Osasuna.. He was one of the first to reach the locker room (he was watching the game in the Bernabéu players’ box) to support his teammate, with whom he formed a duo in the center of defense in the successful campaign. 21-22with doublet Champions-League. A couple who, since then, have been blown up due to injuries.

When Mllitao’s second injury arrived, Alaba was already heading into the final stretch of his recovery, although Madrid tried to take the pressure off him. “There are no injuries, there are injuries“, they said from the player’s entourage when he asked about the date for his return. The same thing that slips now when it comes to predicting a deadline for his return to the starting eleven, which would be a relief for Ancelotti due to the shortage of center backs in the squad.

“The team has helped me a lot and without my teammates, the medical staff, the physios and the rehabilitation workers it would have been harder. They have helped me a lot every day by working very hard every day.

David Alaba’s long journey reached port last Sunday, just a few minutes before the end of Madrid-Las Palmas. The Bernabéu applauded him warmly when he went out to warm up and exploded when he stepped onto the pitch again dressed as a Madrid footballer.. On the same grass he received hugs from his teammates, even the newest ones, like Bellingham either Mbappe. Everyone in that locker room knows what their teammate has been through. Also Florentino Pérez and Ancelotti, who were especially affectionate with him in the locker room, when the team was celebrating the victory that gave them the lead.

And now? Alaba still has to be patient. The idea is to add minutes, gain sensations and, above all, regain confidence. Ancelotti is counting on him as that winter signing that seems unlikely to arrive from the market, unless there is a turn in the negotiations with him. Liverpool by Trent Alexander-Arnold. But little by little, without rushing, with as much pause as possible. The irruption of Raul Asencio It gives you room to maneuver. And we cannot forget the risk of relapse or associated injuries that this type of injury entails. The Militao precedent is, in this sense, a serious wake-up call.