Alaba could miss Real Madrid's match against Shakhtar

Real Madrid's issues with depth on defensive continue. David Alaba made his return from Austria's camp with a knee contusion and is questionable to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League next week. While Alaba's injury isn't serious, it's certainly a problem for Madrid given the circumstances.

Eder Militao will also miss that game and if Alaba can't recover in time, coach Carlo Ancelotti could be forced to start Nacho and Vallejo in the center of the defensive line. Ancelotti could also deploy Casemiro in that spot if he just doesn't want to play Vallejo, but that would also leave Madrid without a pure defensive midfielder.

Madrid's issues are even more serious considering that they will visit Barcelona to play El Clásico next week. Alaba should be ready to play then, but Militao is still doubtful for that game. Los Blancos have not been solid on defense this season and will need to perform at a high level if they want to bounce back from their last three matches against Villarreal, Sheriff and Espanyol.

Furthermore, Alaba's absence will hurt Madrid's line because the leadership he provides will be missing.

Mendy and Marcelo have trained with the squad for the last few days but might need a few more weeks before they can feature in the team's starting lineup.