Real Madrid handed boost as player returns to partial group training after long injury absence

Real Madrid have been handed a major injury boost as David Alaba reportedly engaged in training with the team. The 32-year-old has not played since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in December 2023.

Alaba has been undergoing various recovery processes and has missed 59 games for Los Blancos since then. After over a year on the sidelines, the Austrian defender could be nearing a comeback, as he has begun training with the first team. As per Madrid Zone on X, Alaba recently completed part of the training with the squad.

The former Bayern Munich star joined the Spanish giants on a free transfer in 2021 and instantly became a regular at the Santiago Bernabeu. In his first season at the club, he registered three goals and four assists in 46 appearances, helping Los Blancos clinch the league and Champions League double.

Prior to his injury in the 2023-24 season, Alaba made 17 appearances across competitions, contributing two assists. Overall, he has five goals and nine assists in 109 games for the club.

His possible return to action will be a huge boost for Carlo Ancelotti's side who have suffered multiple injuries, especially in defense this season. Fellow center-back Eder Miliato is out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury, as well as full-back Dani Carvajal.

It remains to be seen how long before Alaba is fully fit to make the matchday squad. Real Madrid will return to action in 2025 with a clash away at Valencia on Friday (January 3).

Jose Mourinho names decision to leave Real Madrid for Chelsea as one of his biggest career regrets

Former Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that leaving the club for Chelsea in 2013 was one of his biggest regrets in his career.

The Portuguese tactician joined Los Blancos in 2010. He led the club to the LaLiga title in the 2011-12 season before leaving for a second spell with the Blues. However, he got the sack at Stamford Bridge after two seasons.

Speaking recently to Corriere dello Sport (via Daily Mail), Mourinho said:

"The "no" to [Real Madrid president] Florentino Perez [is one regret]. He said to me: 'Don't leave, you've done the hard part, and the best part is yet to come.' I knew it was true, but I wanted to return to Chelsea after three years of great challenges in Spain."

During his time in charge of Real Madrid, Mourinho recorded 127 wins, 28 draws, and 23 losses in 178 games.