Alaba will be available against Shakhtar

Real Madrid defender David Alaba will finally be available when Los Blancos take on Shakhtar Donetsk next Tuesday. Alaba came back from this International break with what appeared to be an injury which could force him to miss not only the trip to Ukraine but also El Clásico, but luckily enough the defender isn't injured and will be ready.

This is massive news for Real Madrid given that Militao is also questionable for the team's next two games, something which would have forced coach Carlo Ancelotti to deploy both Nacho and Vallejo in the center of the defensive line had Alaba been seriously injured.

Alaba's veteran presence in the defensive line will be extremely valuable, because he is the undisputed leader of the defensive line, an area where Madrid have struggled so far this season.

Los Blancos will need to bounce back from their disappointing performances against Villarreal, Sheriff Tiraspol and Espanyol, as it's now time for Ancelotti's men to start gaining confidence and serious momentum.