Austria have confirmed that Real Madrid defender David Alaba has withdrawn from the squad for October's international break to focus on his recovery from injury.
The 31-year-old has missed Madrid's last three games with a groin injury but has made a light return to training in the past few days.
However, he remains short of fitness and Austria have now confirmed he will stay with his club to continue his recovery over the next two weeks.
Centre-back has proven to be a real area of concern for Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who lost star defender Eder Militao to an ACL injury just 50 minutes into the current campaign.
Alaba has been a regular starter alongside Antonio Rudiger, but the Austrian's absence thrust club captain Nacho Fernandez back into the lineup. The latter was sent off late in the victory over Girona and picked up a suspension, leaving Rudiger as the only available defender.
Rudiger started Saturday's 4-0 win over Osasuna next to midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who dropped back to help Ancelotti cope with the injury crisis. 21-year-old Alvaro Carillo retained his position on the bench as emergency cover.
Madrid fans had hoped to see Alaba return in time for the international break but will now be relieved to see the defender withdraw, giving him an extra two weeks to focus solely on his fitness.
A trip to manager-less Sevilla on 21 October is on the cards, with a Champions League clash with Braga scheduled three days later, so Ancelotti will be keen to have Alaba back playing a major role for the team.
Thibaut Courtois and Arda Guler also remain injured, but those selection concerns have not yet proven too problematic for Madrid, who sit two points clear at the top of the La Liga standings after nine games.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Why David Alaba has withdrawn from international duty.
