[Real Madrid](https://www.managingmadrid.com) defender David Alaba has been completing portions of the last few training sessions with the rest of the group and coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed that he could be available mid-January.
“Alaba is also doing parts of the training, I think he will return to the group on December 30th and will be available, perhaps, by mid-January,” said the Italian coach during Saturday’s press conference.
Alaba has been out for more than a calendar year, so the coaching staff will need to take a cautious and patient approach as he returns to the team. However, his presence will increase Real Madrid’s depth on the defensive line, which is by far the thinnest after the injuries to Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao earlier this season.
Alaba might need weeks, if not months, to regain confidence and improve his form after spending an entire year recovering from knee surgery, but the veteran will be a valuable addition to the squad for the second half of the season.