Having endured two cruciate ligament injuries in two seasons, Eder Militao was hit with yet another massive blow towards the end of last season.
Facing a hamstring injury, the player was yet again forced to go under the blade in late April. During the time of his procedure, he was expected to be out for around five months.
That timeline implied that the player would return to team training only in late September or early October, and he even missed the FIFA World Cup as a result of the same.
Now, Melchor Ruiz via Defensa Central hand an update on his return.
Recovery on track
Indeed, as relayed by the Spanish outlet, Real Madrid estimate that Militao’s return is on track. The player is progressing well in his rehabilitation and everything is going to plan as matters stand.
Militao’s recovery is progressing well. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
The club expect that the centre-back can return to group training in October, as was initially planned. His return on the field is expected later, and understandably so given his recent injury record.
Needless to say, the update will come as a massive one for Jose Mourinho who currently sees the centre-back position as shallow in depth. Militao’s return to complete fitness and form will enable the manager to count on him as a starting option.
An uphill battle
A couple of years ago, there was no doubt that Militao was the backbone of Real Madrid’s defence, both in the short and long-term plans.
Will Mourinho count on Militao? (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
Unfortunately, however, the Brazilian’s despicable injury record has seen matters change, and it is no longer as clear if he will remain a starter once he returns from injury.
Ibrahima Konate has arrived as a new signing and will be a contender to be a starter under Mourinho. Antonio Rudiger, moreover, is an option the manager counts on for his aggression and experience.
Dean Huijsen also represents a valuable option whom the manager could trust in the coming months if he returns to his best version, and there are further links of Real Madrid making another big defensive signing.
For Militao, the return to the first-team will thus be complicated. After all, he must not only fight back his mental demons after a rough period but also strong competition in the dressing room.