David Alaba’s future at Real Madrid is filled with uncertainty as he continues to struggle with a series of injuries that have kept him sidelined since late 2023. His latest setback—a tear in his left soleus muscle during recovery from knee surgery—has further delayed his return, with no clear timeline in sight.

Since arriving from Bayern Munich in 2021, Alaba quickly became a central figure in the defense and played a crucial role in helping the club secure its 14th Champions League title. But a devastating ACL rupture in December 2023 marked the beginning of a long, frustrating road. Complications such as cartilage damage, meniscus issues, and recurring muscular problems have severely limited his availability.

The 33-year-old briefly returned to action in January 2025 but only managed 14 appearances totaling just over 600 minutes before another meniscus injury in April and a muscle tear during Club World Cup training derailed his comeback.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s defense has evolved. Under Xabi Alonso’s leadership, players like Rüdiger, Militão, Huijsen, and Asencio have stepped into prominent roles, while emerging talents like Joan Martínez continue to impress. Alaba, once a guaranteed starter, now finds himself on the fringes of the squad.

His contract runs through June 2026, with an estimated net salary of €12.5 million per year—making his continued absence a costly dilemma for the club. While he remains a respected figure internally, both Real Madrid and Alaba face a difficult decision. The club is exploring ways to offload him during the current transfer window to ease the wage burden and open space in the squad.

Yet, Alaba is holding firm. He intends to honor his contract and is focused on regaining full fitness in time for the 2026 World Cup—an important goal in his career with the Austrian national team.

What lies ahead is a delicate balancing act between loyalty, finances, and sporting ambition, as both Alaba and Real Madrid navigate a crossroads that could shape their respective futures.

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