FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Real Madrid star ruled out of Tournament after Fresh Injury

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David Alaba's difficult season has taken yet another unfortunate turn. The Real Madrid defender is now expected to miss the remainder of the Club World Cup after picking up a fresh injury, this time to his left calf.

Medical assessments revealed a muscle issue that is likely to sideline the Austrian for around three weeks, dealing a blow to both player and club. Alaba had already missed Madrid's first three group matches in the United States as he continued his recovery from a meniscus injury suffered in April. The plan had been to ease him back in for the knockout stages. That window has now firmly shut.

It's the latest in a string of physical setbacks for the 33-year-old. A torn ACL in December 2023 kept him out for over a year, and though he returned to limited action in January, his rhythm never quite returned.

Even so, Alaba had remained an influential presence in the dressing room and on the bench. His return was viewed as a potential emotional lift for Madrid during their Club World Cup run. Instead, it's another chapter in a season defined by recovery timelines and medical updates.

Madrid, meanwhile, continue to push forward. A win over Red Bull Salzburg secured progression to the last-16, where they will face Juventus on Tuesday. But they'll do so without one of their most experienced campaigners, once again.

The Spanish giants have gone trophyless this season and will be hoping to win the FIFA Club World Cup to conclude this campaign.