Report: Fibrillar Microtear Could Keep David Alaba Out for Return Leg Versus PSG

Paris Saint-Germain's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (R) and Real Madrid's Austrian defender David Alaba (L) fight for the ball during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Real Madrid at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on February 15, 2022. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Paris Saint-Germain will be traveling to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium next week for the second leg against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. The capital club takes a 1-0 advantage for the final 90 minutes of the matchup.

Los Blancos will be without Casemiro and Ferland Mendy as they’re suspended due to yellow card accumulation. However, other players on the Real Madrid squad could be missing. 

According to Sport, David Alaba, who missed their fixture against Rayo Vallecano this past weekend, is dealing with a fibrillar microtear injury. The Spanish media outlet states it is unknown if he will be available for the Champions League match on March 9. 

Should Alaba be unable to play, Real Madrid manager would have shift Nacho to cover the center-back role rather than the left-back position to cover the loss of Mendy. 

Furthermore, with Nacho possibly starting at central defense, Marcelo would draw into the starting eleven, which wouldn’t be ideal since the 33-year-old defender no longer provides the same guarantees as he did in the past. 

If PSG has their attack trio for this match, they could look to exploit that left side if Marcelo indeed does start at left-back due to the Alaba injury.

Tags Champions League David Alaba Real Madrid UEFA
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