Real Madrid defender David Alaba is making steady progress in his recovery from the ACL tear he suffered more than a year ago and could rejoin the squad in training by December, according to a report published on MARCA.

The medical staff will not take any risks with Alaba’s knee, however. The defender will need more than just a few weeks to improve his conditioning and make sure he’s ready and healthy enough to make his return to the team on a competitive match.

Will Real Madrid rely on Alaba now that Militao is set to miss the remainder of the season, or will Los Blancos sign a quality option for the defensive line knowing that Alaba could struggle out of the gates? The answer to that very question could very well define the season for Real Madrid.