Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that defender David Alaba is set to rejoin the squad this month following a lengthy injury layoff.

Alaba has returned to training and is expected to be match-ready by January 20.

"David Alaba is close to playing games; he will be ready by January 20," Ancelotti stated. "We will rotate more now, especially in defense."

When questioned about potential signings during the winter transfer window, Ancelotti remained non-committal. "January signings? It’s not easy to talk about this topic now. We will see," he said.

Real Madrid will kick off their 2025 campaign against Valencia on Friday night.