Xabi Alonso has reflected on the difficulty of setting a particular return date for his current injury, but says he’ll be back for Real Madrid soon.
The midfielder underwent surgery on a persistent groin injury in the summer before then breaking a metatarsal bone in his foot during the latter stages of recovery.
Originally set a return date of mid-November, there has been increasing speculation that Alonso would be back in time for Malaga this weekend and also the games against Juventus and Barcelona that follow.
However, the 31-year-old has looked to temper optimism of such a quick recovery.
“I hope to return soon. It has been a difficult summer,” began Alonso to reporters at a publicity event today.
“I decided not to go to the Confederations Cup and to have surgery. I think it was the logical option and best for the team and for me, because it was not fine and in this competition you have to be at 100 per cent.
“Then, as I was close to coming back I broke my foot in training. Having to stop pushed back my recovery. I’m getting closer, but I need to respect the feelings that I have and to not put on deadlines.
“I am training individually. I’m at the stage prior to reinstatement, trying things, playing with the ball, trying with boots…but I still need to try things and then I can rejoin my teammates.
“Also when running it is difficult, because I have not played for a while.
“When can I return? Hopefully soon, but I have no date. This injury is tricky and a bit day to day. I am close, but I have a little while to go.
“I spend all day talking to doctors and do not want to rush the recovery and risk taking a step backwards. We are on it. It’s a complicated injury that I would not wish on anyone.
“There are injuries that you know there are deadlines to come, but this one is treacherous. But I have a good feeling. I’m slowly getting better and will be on the field.”
The midfielder was asked for his view on Madrid’s work this season so far under Carlo Ancelotti.
“As a viewer it is easier. Having an opinion and saying ‘I would have done otherwise’ is easier. When there are difficulties with the team, I am aware of the suffering and also feel the frustration of not being able to participate.
“The first match against Elche, I think we went wrong at first and by the second half had changed everything. And against Levante the same.
“I see this as a teammate but in the end you are like a fan and you get just as excited when Cristiano scores.
“Ancelotti? It shows that he was a player and that he knows how things are from inside and when talking to the players he knows how to get things across.
“He also knows what it is to be injured. It is still a learning phase for the club and the team, there are things still to come for sure.”
