Real Madrid defender David Alaba will be sidelined for months after suffering a severe knee injury in his team's 4-1 win over Villarreal on Sunday in La Liga.
The Austrian centre-back went off hurt in the first half after attempting to challenge Villarreal forward Gerard Moreno.
"After the tests carried out on our player David Alaba, he has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee," said Madrid in a statement.
"The player will undergo surgery in the coming days."
Alaba's injury adds to cruciate ligament injuries for goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Eder Militao, while midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is also sidelined with a knee ligament rupture.
Madrid have only two fit central defenders, in Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernandez.
Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni returned from injury as a substitute against Villarreal and could be chosen to cover in defence by coach Carlo Ancelotti.
"It's a shame, it's very sad, and I've never had three cruciate ligament (problems) in four months," Ancelotti told reporters after Alaba's injury.
"We have carried that and done more than what people thought."
Madrid are also without star forward Vinicius Junior, who has a hamstring injury, but Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes and Brahim Diaz have helped fill in for the Brazilian.
All three scored along with Luka Modric in Madrid's convincing win over Villarreal.
jesalam14
427
to all injured players and people who are suffering from any disease, may God heals you all and make us stronger all. get well soon...🙏❤
footballloveronly
396
Get well soon our Chairman We need you and your leadership ❤
Peaceking1234
271
Three ACL injuries💔 One Serious Hamstring Injury to Vini 💔 One Knee Injury to Camavinga💔 One Knee Injury to Guler 💔 That's really some rotten luck with injury problems💔😕 , I may be a Rival Fan but C'mon we all human beings and must never wish nor be happy for bad things to happen to one another💯💯 , Speedy recovery to All of MADRID'S INJURED PLAYERS💯 and Hope they come back STRONGER💯💪
F-legend
189
Take good care of him. He is a playmaker.😊😊😊. Come back soon ALABA