David Alaba, Real Madrid defender, has suffered a calf injury, as confirmed by the team on Friday. This setback adds to the list of absences for the veteran player. Alaba, 33, has not participated in any of Real Madrid’s three matches in the Club World Cup, while he recovers from a meniscus injury in his left knee suffered in April. Alaba’s latest injury is expected to keep him out of the tournament. Real Madrid will face Juventus in the round of 16 in Miami, Florida, on Tuesday. If they advance, they would play the quarter-finals on July 5, the semi-finals on July 9, and the final on July 13.
Real Madrid has had to deal with the absence of several key players in the Club World Cup. Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão and Eduardo Camavinga have been working to regain their physical form at the team’s base in Palm Beach, while Ferland Mendy and Endrick have been recovering in Madrid. “Ferland is still far from being able to play. Eduardo is making great progress in his recovery, let’s hope to have him back, I don’t know if in the next match or if we go further,” commented Alonso. Endrick will join his teammates in the coming days, although it is still unclear if he will play in the Club World Cup.“David is taking a little longer to recover. After the [meniscus] operation, we need to be cautious and patient, so step by step, we will wait a little longer,” coach Xabi Alonso declared on Thursday.
Xabi Alonso
In the absence of the Brazilian international, and with Kylian Mbappé’s illness, Gonzalo García, 21 years old, has taken the initiative, scoring two goals in three group stage matches in the United States, including the 3-0 victory over Salzburg in Philadelphia.“Endrick is recovering and we want him to be available as soon as possible. I’m counting on him, for sure,” Alonso stated on Thursday.
Xabi Alonso
