David Alaba’s season-ending ACL tear draws prayers and well wishes from the soccer community

David Alaba’s injury became a dark spot in a very clean Real Madrid display as the Austrian tore his Anterior cruciate ligament, commonly known as ACL, in Madrid’s 4-1 win against Villareal. While it is still very early to speculate on a return date for Alaba, it is pretty much established that his 2023/24 season is over.

Real Madrid recorded a thumping 4-1 victory over Villareal, thanks to goals from Kopa winner Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz and Luka Modric. However, David Alaba’s injury dampened the mood in Madrid, with thoughts and prayers flowing from a host of players and fans in social media.

David Alaba’s season-ending injury is announced by Real Madrid

David Alaba suffered a non-contact knee injury in the first half of the game that left him needing support to put weight on his leg. Eventually, after the game ended, Real Madrid officially communicated in their first team medical report that Alaba suffered a torn ACL in his left knee and will have to undergo surgery in the coming days.

Talking to the press, Ancelotti acknowledged it was sad, and stated, “It’s a shame, obviously. We’re very sad to lose another player. I’ve never seen three cruciate ligament injuries in four months. It’s incredible. But there’s nothing we can do.”

Alaba will undoubtedly miss the remainder of the season and might also have to skip the beginning of the 2024/25 season. This leaves Real Madrid with only two fully fit first team center backs in Antonio Rudiger and Nacho, as they may have to dip in the transfer market to keep up their depth in their defense and challenge for silverware.

Soccer community sends prayers and well wishes to David Alaba

As soon as David Alaba’s injury became news, a host of Real Madrid players and football fans overall took to social media to channel their messages for the 31-year old defender. 

Messages came in from most of his teammates including Thibaut Courtois, who wrote, “We will come back stronger”. Toni Kroos, who has been Alaba’s teammate since their time in Bayern Munich expressed his love for Alaba, and wrote, “I love you @David_Alaba”. 

Bellingham also joined others in wishing him well, and posted, “Love you brother, always with you. Get well soon!”. Similarly, his center back partner Rudiger wrote, “WE ARE WITH YOUUU MY BROOOTHEEEEEER”.

Real Madrid have been unlucky with ACL injuries, as this is the third ACL injury reported, after Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao. Apart from the ACL cases, Madrid have also been missing Vinicius Jr., Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Carvajal, and Arda Guler, who is yet to make his debut after his move from Fenerbahce, through injuries.

Do you think Real Madrid can still challenge for the Champions League, considering their injury woes? Let us know in the comments.