Will Austria’s Real Madrid captain David Alaba be fit again in time for EURO 2024 after tearing his cruciate ligament? The former Bayern professional’s doctor now painted a bleak scenario.
Alaba’s knee surgeon Dr. Christian Fink doesn’t believe his patient will take part in the EM. The cruciate ligament needs at least six, but more likely nine months, until it is intact again.
“These months from this sixth month are very important because they reduce the risk of re-injury,” explained Fink on “Servus TV” and continued: “There are biological limits and if you go below them, then you are consciously taking risks and I don’t think a footballer who wants to play for many more years will take such a risk.”
Austria’s coach Ralf Rangnick doesn’t want to give up hope completely. “We also have to be realistic with David: it would be a small miracle if he actually managed to do that,” admitted the 65-year-old.
Rangnick remains patient with Alaba
However, Rangnick does not rule out such a miracle at Alaba. “If anyone can do it, it’s David,” the coach noted: “He’s doing everything for it. He really wants to play this EURO.”
Alaba’s rehab is going according to plan so far. “Of course we hope that David makes it. Basically he’s doing well. But it’s still too early to make a prognosis at this point. We just have to rely a little more on the time factor,” emphasized Rangnick.
Alaba tore a cruciate ligament in the game with Real Madrid against Villarreal FC in mid-December.
The Austrians will play their first European Championship game against France on June 17th. Alaba suffered the injury on December 17th, exactly six months before the opening game.
Austria will also face the Netherlands and a playoff winner at the tournament.