Alaba already injured after first start of Udinese career

Udinese have confirmed that former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid defender David Alaba is facing a spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury immediately after his first start for the club.

Udinese confirm injury to Alaba after first Serie A start

Alaba joined Udinese on a free transfer at the end of September following a brief spell as a free agent after the expiry of his contract with Real Madrid on June 30.

He was introduced for his Serie A debut off the bench during Udinese’s 2-1 defeat against Torino in the first game back after the international break and was included in Kosta Runjaic’s starting XI for the first time for Sunday’s eventual 3-0 defeat against Lecce.

Alaba was withdrawn at half-time of Sunday’s defeat against Lecce and Udinese have since confirmed that he has suffered a muscular strain in his right calf. The club writes in a statement that “the player has already begun the rehabilitation process and will be evaluated weekly.”

The club has not specified an exact recovery time, but the 34-year-old will be ruled out of Udinese’s upcoming Serie A match at home against Milan on Sunday. The away match against Parma next Wednesday seems unlikely at this stage as well.

La Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Alaba could be out of action until the next international break, which officially kicks off on November 9.