Overview

• Real Madrid confirmed that Alaba has a left calf muscle injury and will miss the rest of the Club World Cup, including the round-of-16 match against Juventus.
• The setback marks the fourth serious fitness issue since December 2023, limiting Alaba to just 14 competitive appearances for the club.
• Recurrent injuries have dropped the 33-year-old to fifth-choice centre-back behind Antonio Rüdiger, Raul Asencio, Eder Militao and newcomer Dean Huijsen.
• His €20 million-a-year contract now runs only through June 2026 with no extension planned due to his ongoing absences.
• Real Madrid is relying on Dean Huijsen for long-term defensive cover and anticipates Eder Militao’s imminent return from knee injuries.