OFFICIAL: Alaba tests positive for Covid-19, will likely miss opening match against Alaves

Real Madrid have announced that defender David Alaba has tested positive for Covid-19 and will therefore be in isolation for the next few weeks. Alaba won’t be allowed to rejoin the squad in training until he tests negative and could miss Real Madrid’s opening game in la Liga against Alaves, given that it’s likely that he doesn’t play a single friendly before August 14th.

Alaba is expected to be an undisputed starter in the center of Madrid’s defensive line this season now that Varane has left the club. If he can’t face Alaves, Nacho and Militao will start until Alaba improves his form and is ready to start again.

Karim Benzema is also out after testing positive for Covid-19 last week. The attacker will have to work hard after testing negative so that he can make the team’s starting lineup when the 2021-2022 La Liga season kicks off on August 14th.