Real Madrid surprised by Alaba's fitness level after a long layoff due to injury

Real Madrid has started 2025 with one major positive: The return of Nigeria-born defender David Alaba.

The veteran defender had been struggling on the sidelines for well over a year due to a serious injury. But he has finally returned to the pitch and has featured in the last couple of matches.

Alaba’s return has already alleviated one key worry for Real Madrid in the defensive unit, which is the overburdening of Antonio Rudiger.

A recent report has offered a fresh update on Alaba’s fitness, suggesting that the defender is closing in on making his first start since returning from injury.

The report adds that Alaba has defied expectations, returning not just to play but to perform at a level that has left club officials and teammates alike in awe.

The surprise at his recovery pace is palpable within the club, where long, arduous comebacks have become all too familiar.

Alaba’s progression from short stints to increasingly longer appearances on the field, to that end, has come as a sigh of relief for those at Real Madrid.

His recent performances, including 15 minutes against Las Palmas, nearly half an hour in the Champions League against Salzburg, and 23 minutes in Valladolid, all culminated in positive feedback from both the medical team and coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The Real Madrid manager has emphasized that Alaba’s return to the starting eleven will be when he feels ready.

With the Champions League match against Brest looming, Alaba’s inclusion in the starting lineup could be imminent.

Meanwhile, Eder Militao another Real Madrid defender currently sidelined due to a long-term injury.

The Brazilian international, considered a leader in the Real Madrid backline, had picked up a serious knee injury in November, which even ruled him out for the entire season.

While many do not expect Militao to return until next season, the defender, through his social posts, has revealed some ‘giant strides’ taken in his road to recovery.

As reported by MARCA, the defender has impressed onlookers with the way he is recovering and making progress, just two months into his injury.

Through the images uploaded on social media, Militao can be seen doing light running exercises and even lifting weights.

It appears the Brazilian is working closely with the physical team at the Valdebebas and has all the tools at his disposal to speed up his progress further.

Although the defender does not want to put out any deadline, he is aiming to return to action before the end of the season.

However, a more realistic return date for the central defender will be the inaugural edition of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup in the summer, which will be played in the United States.

The recent return of Alaba has already shown what Real Madrid can do when operating with more numbers at the back.

Now, with Militao making good progress, Real Madrid may not have to force themselves to desperately look towards the market for defensive reinforcements.