Real Madrid injury latest, suspension news vs. Celta Vigo: Will David Alaba be involved in the Copa del Rey clash?
Real Madrid will aim to put their Spanish Super Cup disappointment behind them when they host Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday in the Copa del Rey last-16 clash.
After suffering an unexpected 5-2 defeat to Barcelona in Sunday’s final, Carlo Ancelotti’s side faces the challenge of regrouping and avoiding another setback in their quest for silverware this season.
The Spanish Super Cup final exposed Madrid’s defensive frailties, as they conceded four goals in the first half. With their second trophy of the season slipping away, Los Blancos are under pressure to deliver a strong performance against Celta, a side they narrowly defeated 2-1 in October’s La Liga fixture at Balaídos.
Real Madrid Injury News
David Alaba
Status: Out
Type of Injury: Knee
Possible Return Date: January 19 (vs. Las Palmas)
Alaba is edging closer to a return after recovering from an ACL injury sustained in December 2023. While he was an unused substitute during the Spanish Super Cup matches, he is unlikely to feature against Celta.
Instead, he is expected to make his comeback on Sunday against Las Palmas or in next week’s Champions League tie with RB Salzburg.
Dani Carvajal
Status: Out
Type of Injury: Knee
Possible Return Date: Unknown
Carvajal’s season was cut short after a severe knee injury in October’s clash with Villarreal. He remains sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Eder Militao
Status: Out
Type of Injury: Knee
Possible Return Date: Unknown
Militao, too, has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign after suffering a second consecutive ACL injury during November’s game against Osasuna.
Suspension News
Real Madrid’s appeal against Vinícius Júnior’s red card in the La Liga victory over Valencia was unsuccessful. However, the two-match suspension applies only to league fixtures, making the Brazilian forward eligible for Thursday’s cup encounter.
What to Expect
Celta Vigo arrives with nothing to lose, while Madrid will be desperate to avoid a second consecutive last-16 exit from the Copa del Rey.
Ancelotti’s side will need to balance their attacking intent with defensive discipline, especially given their injury-hit backline.
For Los Blancos, this is more than just a knockout tie—it’s an opportunity to restore confidence and keep their hopes of domestic silverware alive. All eyes will be on how they respond under pressure at the Bernabeu.
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