David Alaba will miss Austria’s upcoming UEFA Nations League matches in November to focus on his rehabilitation at Udinese Calcio, italian sports media reported. The ÖFB captain sustained a right calf muscle hardening during his first start for the Serie A club in a 3-0 home defeat against US Lecce, forcing a halftime substitution.
Treatment Plan in Udine During International Break
Rather than joining national team manager Ralf Rangnick’s squad for matches against Ireland on November 14 and Israel on November 17, Alaba remains in Udine for a therapeutical break. The medical staff at Udinese structured a two-week rehabilitation program designed to complete his clinical healing and restore optimal fitness without rushing his recovery from a history of muscle injuries.
Targeted Return Against Bologna
Club officials outlined Sunday, November 22, as a realistic target for Alaba’s return to match action in an away fixture against FC Bologna. Udinese medical personnel will evaluate the defender’s physical condition on a weekly basis, monitoring how his calf muscles respond to high-intensity training sessions before deciding whether he returns directly to the starting lineup or features initially as a substitute.
Missed Fixtures and Recent Debut Context
The latest fitness setback interrupted a brief run in the team after Alaba made his club debut as a substitute against Torino and subsequently earned his first start against Lecce. Having already sat out league fixtures against AC Milan and Parma, the defender will miss Saturday’s match against AS Roma before club football pauses for the international window.
