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David Alaba is back more than 400 days after injuring his cruciate ligament, but he is far from being at the top of his game, something that was clear against Betis, raising doubts about his future at the club.

Expectations about his return were hopeful, although his latest appearances have left more doubts than certainties about his performance; something palpable in the match against Betis, whose contribution was absolutely nil in defense; the player was not able to recover the ball or impose his defensive hierarchy. In one hour on the pitch, he made just 31 passes and failed to make tackles or recover possession, showing a zero rhythm of play.

Carlo Ancelotti, knowing what was coming, decided to change him in the 61st minute, moving Aurélien Tchouaméni into the center of defense; a decision that not only referred to the fear that it could cost him a sending off after his rival had seen the yellow card, but was also reflective of the coach’s lack of confidence that the centre-back would be able to turn around his performance in the match. Antonio Rüdiger, on the other hand, with more minutes on the pitch and with the yellow card in mind, did stay on the pitch, making it clear which two defenders are currently generating the most confidence.

At Valdebebas they are beginning to accept that David Alaba will not return to his best level, as his recovery has been slower than initially thought and his performance is far from what is expected of him at Real Madrid.

That is why the Whites have already started to look for alternatives on the market to find a replacement. The names of Jorrel Hato and William Saliba have been strongly linked with a move to the squad, and the sporting management of the Whites are aware that they need players in top condition to be able to face the demands of the calendar, and patience with the Austrian seems to be running out.

Another important aspect of getting rid of Alaba is his contract, as the Austrian footballer is one of the highest paid players in the squad, above players such as Vinicius. His departure would free up salary mass for the club, and would allow it to make a guaranteed signing.

With the season at its most important point, David Alaba has little chance of reversing the trend; Ancelotti can continue to give him minutes in La Liga, but a starting place in the Champions League seems hopelessly out of the question, unless he shows a significant improvement in his performance.

If he is unable to return to his best, he will end up playing his last games in the white shirt, because although his contract with Madrid is still valid, the reality is that the club will not wait forever for his return. His departure from the club in the next summer market is becoming an increasingly real possibility.

The ball is now in David Alaba’s court and he will have the next few months to demonstrate that, once again, he has the capacity to be useful to Carlo Ancelotti; if not, his time at Real Madrid could come to an end sooner than expected.