David Alaba has returned to training for Real Madrid as they prepare to take on Liverpool in the Champions League final.
As seen in photos from realmadrid.com, Alaba joined the rest of the squad in their first training session of the week.
Alaba hasn’t played since April 26th, but could now return to face Liverpool in Paris. That would represent a huge boost for Madrid, who have been using Nacho Fernando in his absence.
Madrid are already in training ahead of the final having played their final La Liga game on Friday night. Liverpool, by contrast, have Monday off before reporting at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday.
Full bill of health for Madrid
Alaba’s return to fitness would be a big positive for Carlo Ancelotti. With respect to Nacho, Alaba is on a different level to the Spaniard. There’s a reason Madrid reportedly pay him £360k-a-week and it’s to play in games like these.
Alaba has two previous Champions League winners medals with Bayern Munich. He has been a key player since he joined Spanish club last summer.
Liverpool were reportedly one of the clubs interested in the 29-year-old last summer, but he ended up at Real instead.
Elsewhere, Madrid seemingly have no fresh injury concerns as they head into the game. Marcelo is not fully fit but would have been unlikely to feature regardless.
Liverpool on the other hand have numerous issues as the match steams into view. Alaba’s former Bayern teammate Thiago Alcantara is the latest on the treatment table.
News today indicates that the 31-year-old’s issue is an Achilles one, but it isn’t thought to be too serious (The Times). He may yet be fit to play against the man with whom he won seven Bundesliga titles alongside.
Only five days remain until Liverpool and Madrid go head-to-head. Any setback now would surely rule a player out of contention. Fingers crossed for a clean bill of health for The Reds over the coming sessions.