Awful news for David Alaba as his ACL injury probably means the end of season

Real Madrid defender David Alaba is expected to miss the rest of the 2023-24 season and the EURO 2024 after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee in Madrid's victory over Villarreal on Sunday.

The 31-year-old Austrian international of African origins was substituted in the 35th minute and was helped off the pitch by medics.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti commented on Alaba's injury after the match:

"The medical report says it's an ACL injury. It's a shame, we are very sad. Another player has gone down. I've never had three ACL injuries in four months, it's unbelievable. (Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao).

"We have nothing to do but let the team continue to do what it has done with all the injuries we've had. We've done even more than everyone thought we would."

Alaba's teammate and close friend, Toni Kroos, immediately posted a message of support at X/Twitter.

A statement from the club on Alaba's injury read:

"Following tests carried out on our player David Alaba, he has been diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The player will undergo surgery in the coming days."

Your move Girona - Los Blancos easily sink the Yellow Submarine and wait for tomorrow night

The Austria international is expected to be out for around eight months, and Ancelotti could be forced into making a move in the January transfer market, with fellow centre-back Eder Militao already sidelined until the summer.

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 17

Friday

Osasuna - Rayo Vallecano 1-0 (0-0)

/Raul 90+5/

Saturday

Celta - Granada 1-0 (1-0)

/Larsen 20/

Ath.Bilbao - Atl.Madrid 2-0 (0-0)

/Guruzeta 51, N. Williams 64/

Sevilla - Getafe 0-3 (0-2)

/Mayoral 5 pen, Mata 37, Greenwood 80 pen/

Valencia - Barcelona 1-1 (0-0)

/Guillamon 70 - Felix 55/

Sunday

Almeria - Mallorca 0-0

Sociedad - Betis 0-0

Las Palmas - Cadiz 1-1 (1-0)

/Pejino 7 - Ramos 83/

Real Madrid - Villareal 4-1 (2-0)

/Bellingham 25, Rodrygo 39, Diaz 64, Modric 69 - Morales 55/

Monday

23:00: (1.60) Girona (4.10) Alaves (6.25)

***odds are subject to change***