Alaba is traveling to Austria, much like how Bale traveled to Wales, despite not having received the medical clearance to play for Real Madrid.
When it was ʀᴇᴠᴇᴀʟᴇᴅ that David Alaba had been selected for Austria’s squad for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualification matches against Azerbaijan and Estonia, Real Madrid supporters were very sᴜʀᴘʀɪsᴇᴅ.
The 30-year-old, who joined the Austria national team on Monday, hasn’t played for Real Madrid since suffering a hamstring ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ against Liverpool last month.
Alaba was initially considered eligible for El Clasico but was ultimately disqualified. He won’t rest, though, and will instead play for Austria over the coming week despite not being fully healthy.
However, Diario AS has ʀᴇᴠᴇᴀʟᴇᴅ that Alaba was encouraged to join Austria by Real Madrid’s medical staff. They believe that since he hasn’t played in over four weeks, it would be advantageous for him to “get into a rhythm”.
Real Madrid is hoping that Alaba won’t aggravate the ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ while on international duty and that he’ll become more match-ready in time for the crucial stretch run of the season.
Race against time for Alaba
A few days ago, the Austrian coach made the implication that Alaba had come up with the idea to travel to be with his teammates. Rangnick had to acknowledge that the Madrid center-back is still traveling despite being underfit. “He’s a great example of a captain,” he said. For him, it’s a race against time, he continued.
Alaba departed Madrid unsure of his ability to participate in the two home games in Group F of the Euro 2024 qualifying series. In Linz, Austria will first face Azerbaijan before facing Estonia.
Rudiger rests
Players who have prioritized their national teams over Madrid due to serious injuries and have not returned to the field of play for Madrid. At least, Madrid can find solace in the knowledge that Antonio Rudiger, one of their four starting center backs, did consent with Hansi Flick to take a break during this FIFA window.
ADADADADADADReal Madrid is in talks with a veteran about a renewal amid interest from Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany, Luka Modric and Real Madrid are still negotiating a new contract that would run through 2024. But Qatar and Saudi Arabia are also showing a lot of interest in the player’s services. There has not yet been a decision made by him.
For almost a decade, Modric has been a crucial component of the Merengues’ system. He still enters the field for every game with the same amount of vigor as a player who has yet to succeed, despite having achieved everything.
It is difficult to imagine the Croatian international leaving elite football with so much left in the tank given his innate drive and competitiveness. It is therefore increasingly likely that he will play one more season in the Spanish capital before switching to a league outside of Europe.
Given the need for the club to replace the veteran players, Modric may have a very different and special role the following season. Jude Bellingham’s potential entry could put the seasoned player in a mentoring role with appearances in the big games.
The 37-year-old midfielder has played 24 times for the Merengues in La Liga this season, contributing three assists in addition to four goals. He also generates eight big chances and averages 1.3 key passes per game.
With two goals and an assist in the Champions League so far this year, Modric has shown that he still has it in him to compete in Europe despite his advanced age. That desire to succeed will still be present come next season.
Early in the current campaign, Carlo Ancelotti referred to Modric as one of the foundations of his team, openly admitting Real Madrid’s reliance on him. Given that his career is undoubtedly nearing its end, one wonders how the club will handle his departure.
However, for now, and while contract negotiations are still ongoing, a one-season stay appears to be a viable option.
