The La Liga race does not appear to bode well for Real Madrid. The squad is not performing up to its expectations and is behind arch rivals Barcelona in the title race.
It's possible that Real Madrid could depart without a title this season. As it stands, La Liga will most likely be determined by the El Clasico in matchweek 35. The Copa del Rey title will also be decided in the final versus Barcelona. The loss of two key trophies to a squad that has beaten Los Blancos twice this season does not bode well.
But first, the Merengues must win every La Liga game until they face the Catalans. The forthcoming game against a relegation-threatened Alaves club could provide an excellent opportunity to rebuild confidence.
David Alaba is a major doubt to make it against Alaves
However, recent reports have highlighted another difficulty for Los Blancos. On Thursday, David Alaba missed the group training and worked independently within the facilities. And, after missing another training session, he is now said to have admitted to a thigh injury according to COPE that puts him in question for the game.
In any case, the club does not benefit from the center-back position. It was believed that the Austrian would be deployed to allow Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio much-needed rest before Wednesday's match against Arsenal, but Alaba's return to the starting lineup is not totally ruled out.
Carlo Ancelotti's situation is a tremendous conundrum. The Italian will have to make a decision, and it must be done right now. He will now be compelled to field Rudiger or Asencio against Alaves since losing any more points in La Liga would mean Los Blancos' elimination from the competition. However, refusing rest to any of the two players means he will have to make do with a depleted defense against Arsenal, who have already scored three goals.
It is up to Ancelotti to decide whether to go to the youth squad for an interim center-back or to endorse either Asencio or Rudiger instead.