David Alaba is back. After several weeks out due to injury, the Austrian defender has recovered and is ready to play. His return is great news for Real Madrid, which has suffered numerous defensive problems this season.
The absences have forced Carlo Ancelotti to improvise with players out of their natural position, which has created difficulties in several matches.
The Italian coach hasn't hidden his excitement about getting back a player as important as Alaba. In fact, he has made it clear that he might include him in the starting eleven in the next match. However, not everyone at the club shares his optimism.
Pintus's warning: the danger of the field
Pintus, known for his meticulous work in players' physical preparation, knows well that a rushed return can have negative consequences. In this case, his main concern is not only Alaba's physical condition but also the playing field conditions. According to the technical staff, the field of the stadium where the match will be played is not in the best condition.
The poor state of the field can pose an additional risk for a player just coming back from an injury. An uneven field increases the chances of a bad footing, a slip, or a muscle strain.
In a normal situation, this might not be a serious problem, but for a player who hasn't competed in several weeks, every detail counts. Pintus fears that, in a high-intensity match, a relapse is almost inevitable.
That's why the physical trainer has wanted to make his position clear. It's not just simple advice, but a warning based on his experience. He has seen many players return too soon and end up paying the consequences.
What will Ancelotti decide?
The final word belongs to Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian coach must weigh the pros and cons before making a definitive decision. On one hand, having Alaba from the start would allow him to strengthen the defense with a player of experience and quality.
The coach knows he needs Alaba at his best for the decisive phase of the season. If he decides to field him, he must be aware of the risks involved. If he opts for caution, he can give him minutes in the second half and avoid exposing him to excessive effort.