Real Madrid defender David Alaba will be out for two weeks after picking up an injury in the 2-0 Champions League victory over Chelsea on Tuesday night, according to AS.
The Austria international played a crucial part in ensuring Carlo Ancelotti’s side went into the half-time interval with their clean sheet intact.
However, he did not return for the remainder of the clash, with former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger marking his comeback to Stamford Bridge in a 45-minute cameo.
Alaba asked to be replaced at the break and is set to miss the next four La Liga games against Celta Vigo, Girona, UD Almeria and Real Sociedad with a muscle injury.
The former Bayern Munich man is also a doubt for the Copa del Rey final against Osasuna on May 6, but Madrid are hopeful he will be in contention to feature in the Champions League semi-final first-leg encounter against Manchester City three days later.
Alaba has been an integral part of Ancelotti’s squad this season, making 34 appearances across all competitions while showing his goal-contributing skills with two strikes and three assists.
However, he has suffered his fair share of injury problems, and this would be the second time the Austrian has been sidelined this year.
Alaba’s injury setback will concern Ancelotti, but Los Blancos are well-equipped to cope with the Austrian’s absence.
However, his potential availability for next month’s clash against Man City at Santiago Bernabeu will come as a boost to the Spanish champions, who will definitely be without Eder Militao.
The Brazil international is suspended after picking up his third Champions League yellow card of the season in the victory over Chelsea.
Karim Benzema also took a knock after a strong challenge from Thiago Silva and was replaced in the 71st minute by Aurelien Tchouameni.
But it is understood he has no injury problems and has trained as usual ahead of Madrid’s La Liga game against Celta on Saturday.
Los Blancos are 11 points behind runaway leaders Barcelona with nine games left to play, leaving their chances of defending their domestic crown in doubt.
