Real Madrid Concerned Over Fresh Injury Ahead of Crucial Arsenal Clash

Real Madrid are facing another injury setback just days before their high-stakes Champions League second-leg clash with Arsenal. According to 90min, defender David Alaba is now a doubt for the midweek fixture after picking up a muscle issue.

Alaba had been covering for the injured Ferland Mendy at left-back during the first leg, where he struggled to contain Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka. The decision to deploy him in that role backfired, as Arsenal cruised to a commanding 3-0 victory.

Now, COPE reports that Alaba is suffering from a thigh strain, casting serious doubt over his availability for the return leg. The severity of the injury is still uncertain, but his involvement in Real Madrid’s upcoming La Liga match against Alaves could offer clues about his fitness.

With the league title race slipping away—Madrid trail Barcelona by four points with only eight matches remaining—the club’s main focus has shifted to the Champions League. They’ll need a massive turnaround to overcome Arsenal’s dominant first-leg performance.

If Alaba is ruled out, Carlo Ancelotti might have to turn to Fran Garcia as a last resort. Garcia, who is a natural left-back, didn’t feature in the first leg, possibly due to concerns about his ability to handle Saka. However, with limited options, Ancelotti may be forced to take the risk.