Real Madrid's David Alaba suffers torn ACL in win - ESPN

Carlo Ancelotti said he's «never seen three cruciate ligament injuries in four months» after David Alaba joined Thibaut Courtois and Éder Militão on Real Madrid's long-term injury list, with the coach admitting the club could now consider a move for a defender in January.

Centre-back Alaba was substituted in the 35th minute of Madrid's 4-1 LaLiga win over Villarreal on Sunday after his knee appeared to buckle as he challenged for the ball in the centre circle at the Santiago Bernabeu.

— Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

«After tests carried out on our player David Alaba, he's been diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee,» Madrid confirmed, in a statement. «The player will undergo surgery in the next few days.»

«I haven't spoken to [Alaba],» Ancelotti said in his post-match news conference. «It's a shame, obviously. We're very sad to lose another player. I've never seen three cruciate ligament injuries in four months. It's incredible. But there's nothing we can do.

»What the team has to do is what it's done with all the injuries we've had, which is to hang on. We've done more than people thought we would. With all our problems, this team is battling, fighting, with extraordinary commitment.

«It's the only way we can replace all the important players who've suffered injuries. We'll see in the next few days if we can do something [in January].»

Ferland Mendy was also substituted at half-time with muscular discomfort, while Dani Carvajal, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler and Vinícius Júnior are all currently on the sidelines with Militao and Courtois.

«Carvajal could [play Alavés on Thursday],» Ancelotti said. «I think he'll train with the team on Tuesday. I didn't want to take any