Coach Xabi Alonso's headache

David Alaba's situation is worrying.

According to Marca , while Eder Militão is on track to return to action against Juventus in the round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup™, defender David Alaba is facing the risk of leaving the tournament early due to a calf injury.

Alaba's condition is a headache for coach Xabi Alonso, because the Austrian star is expected to help the "Los Blancos" defense thanks to his experience and inherent class. Alaba also faces an uncertain future due to persistent injuries.

The 33-year-old defender has struggled with a series of injuries over the past 12 months, including a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury that has limited his appearances in the 2024/25 campaign.

With a new injury in the FIFA Club World Cup, he is almost certain to be unable to participate in the tournament. Coach Alonso is facing the option of sending Alaba back to Madrid next week to continue treatment.

With a salary of around 10 million euros/year, Alaba is one of the players with the highest salary budget in the team, and coach Alonso also needs to consider the possibility of selling, or even terminating the contract with the Austrian defender before the time. This will help Real Madrid reduce the financial burden and invest in younger targets.

Under Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid went undefeated in the 2025 Club World Cup group stage (W2 D1), securing a place in the round of 16 to face Juventus. However, Alonso is not only focused on the tournament but also on building his squad for the 2025/26 season. This has forced the Spaniard to consider carefully his decision regarding Alaba.