

Season-ending problems have been identified in both Ferland Mendy and Antonio Rudiger. Carlo Ancelotti has few senior choices after Alaba's setback. With the announcement of David Alaba's latest knee issue, Real Madrid has revealed a third defensive injury in as many days. Tuesday was especially painful for Madrid, as left-back Ferland Mendy was sidelined for up to 12 weeks and Antonio Rudiger was sidelined for up to two months following knee surgery.
Alaba is now on the sidelines with the two. The Austrian hobbled off against Getafe, but his decision to sit on the bench for the Copa del Rey final allayed concerns about an injury. It was concerning to see Jesus Vallejo, a reserve option, warming up before him. Additional examinations have revealed that Alaba tore the meniscus in his left knee, the same knee that prevented him from playing from December 2023 to January 2025 due to an ACL injury.