Alaba’s move to Italy was supposed to offer him a fresh start after several difficult years in Madrid and an opportunity to re-establish himself at the highest level. Yet just weeks after joining Udinese, the Austrian defender is facing another spell on the sidelines.
The Serie A club confirmed on Tuesday that Alaba is suffering from a muscle problem in his right calf. He has already begun rehabilitation and will undergo weekly medical assessments. Udinese have not provided a timetable for his return.
Calf problem forced Alaba off against Lecce
The injury emerged during Alaba’s first start for Udinese. Playing in the centre of a back three during Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat to Lecce, the former Real Madrid defender was withdrawn at half-time.
His performance initially attracted considerable criticism. Italian media outlets were particularly unimpressed with his physical condition and highlighted several defensive mistakes.
However, head coach Kosta Runjaic subsequently explained that Alaba had complained of discomfort in his calf. The Udinese manager defended his new signing, naming him alongside forward Keinan Davis as one of the few players whose first-half performances had met his expectations.
It was only Alaba’s second competitive appearance for the club. He had made his debut in the 2-1 defeat away to Torino on 12 October, coming off the bench in the 72nd minute. His total playing time for Udinese therefore stands at little more than an hour.
Italian reports suggest an extended absence
The length of Alaba’s absence remains uncertain. Sky Sport Italia reports that he will miss Sunday’s home fixture against AC Milan.
Italian news agency ANSA has suggested that he may not return until after the next international break, identifying the away match against Bologna on 22 November as a possible comeback date. That remains a media projection rather than a confirmed recovery schedule.
A lengthy absence would be particularly frustrating for Alaba. Having joined Udinese following the expiry of his Real Madrid contract, he had hoped to rebuild his match fitness through regular appearances. Instead of establishing himself in his new surroundings, he must once again concentrate on rehabilitation.
Three calf injuries last season
The latest setback is another chapter in a lengthy injury history. The most serious blow came in December 2023, when Alaba tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while playing for Real Madrid. He did not return to competitive action until January 2025, more than a year later.
His fitness problems continued after that comeback. An adductor injury interrupted his progress in February 2025, before a torn medial meniscus in his left knee required surgery in late April and ruled him out for several more months.
Of particular concern are his recurring calf problems. Alaba suffered three separate injuries affecting that area during the 2025/26 season, missing a total of 15 competitive matches. The fact that his calf is once again causing trouble makes this latest setback especially worrying.
Struggling Udinese need Alaba’s experience
The injury also comes at a difficult time for his new club. Udinese have lost their last five Serie A matches and sit second from bottom with just four points.
When Alaba arrived, Runjaic highlighted his reading of the game, ability to play incisive forward passes and organisational qualities in defence. Those are precisely the attributes a struggling side could benefit from in a relegation battle.
First, however, Alaba must regain his fitness — and, more importantly, stay fit. After so many interruptions in recent years, his biggest challenge is no longer simply returning to the pitch, but remaining available long enough to make a sustained contribution.
