Las Palmasvs.Real Madrid

Alaba moved to Bernabeu on a free transfer in 2021, and he made 46 appearances during his debut season for Los Blancos, before making another 39 outings during the 2022-23 campaign.

The Austria international only featured on 17 occasions last term, though, as his season was ended in December due to a serious knee injury.

Alaba's ACL injury required an operation, and he then underwent further surgery in the middle of May, with the defender suffering a setback in his recovery process.

Real Madrid are believed to be hopeful that the 32-year-old could be back before the end of the year, but according to The Athletic, the initial return date of October will come too soon.

Alaba has "started running" as he continues recovery

"He started running today, but we have to be patient," Ancelotti told reporters during his press conference on Wednesday, with Real Madrid preparing for Thursday's La Liga game against Las Palmas.

Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga are also currently on the sidelines through injury, with the pair not expected to return until the end of September.

Real Madrid will enter Thursday's game with Las Palmas off the back of a 3-0 success over Real Valladolid, with the match seeing Endrick register on his debut for the club.

"I expect a game with intensity, an open game because Las Palmas like to play," Ancelotti added when switching his focus to the team's next match.

"Every year has its challenge. Last season we won a lot at the beginning in the last minutes, for example. It's a normal thing to have to adjust the team every year."

Ancelotti insists Mbappe is "progressing"

Kylian Mbappe scored on his Real Madrid debut against Atalanta BC in the UEFA Super Cup, but he has drawn blanks in his new side's league games with Mallorca and Real Valladolid this term.

When asked whether Mbappe was still adapting, Ancelotti said: "And progressing. He's working with humility and he's doing well. His adaptation is going well.

"His last goal was on 14 August. It's only been two weeks. It's not a time to worry. Neither us, nor him. He's eager to score.

"And for Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior... we have a lot of resources. We've scored six goals and the team is still not at its best. That says a lot. We'll never have a goal problem, you can see that."

Real Madrid are currently fifth in the La Liga table, having picked up four points from their opening two matches of the 2024-25 campaign.