Real Madrid have made a signing to add to their squad’s attacking firepower this summer, bringing in Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig.
Los Blancos shelled out a massive €140 million to bring the 19-year-old to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.
Jose Mourinho now has a star-studded front three in the form of Kylian Mbappe, Diomande and Vinicius Junior.
However, Real Madrid must also remember that they have yet another superstar in their ranks who is currently recovering from an injury.
Rodrygo has been sidelined since 18 March 2026 after suffering a serious knee injury involving both his ACL and meniscus.
Rodrygo still far away from a return to action
Now, according to Arancha Rodriguez, Los Blancos are expected to be without the Brazilian forward for several more months, with a return likely in early 2027.
The initial recovery timeline for the Brazilian was estimated at between 10 and 12 months, meaning Real Madrid are unlikely to have him available during the first half of the new season.
Rodrygo won’t be back until early 2027. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Given the severity of the injury, Madrid will naturally have little reason to accelerate his rehabilitation.
Recovering from an ACL injury is already a lengthy process, while the additional meniscus damage makes careful management even more important.
The priority will be ensuring Rodrygo returns fully prepared rather than simply getting him back onto the pitch as quickly as possible.
Mourinho must plan without Rodrygo
For Jose Mourinho, the situation effectively means constructing his attacking plans without Rodrygo for the opening months of the campaign.
Despite having significant depth in the forward line, Rodrygo is as versatile as they come and could have had a useful role to play had he been fit.
The 25-year-old can operate on either flank, centrally or behind the striker, giving a coach several ways of changing the shape of an attack during matches.
Patience will be paramount
Rodrygo is recovering from a knee injury. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Even an early 2027 return would not necessarily mean Rodrygo immediately returning to his previous level.
After potentially spending close to a year without competitive football, rebuilding rhythm, confidence and sharpness could take additional time.
This might have been one of the main reasons Florentino Perez sanctioned a move for a new superstar attacker this summer.
Mourinho will be intent on not putting too much pressure on Rodrygo during his recovery and easing him back in once he is available.
Once Rodrygo returns to action and slowly gets back to 100%, it remains to be seen how the attacking dynamics at Madrid shape up.
For now, it is important that the Brazilian focuses on his recovery and returns to action without any further setbacks in the coming months.