Eder Militao return date set as Real Madrid continue to back Brazilian star - Reports
Real Madrid centre-back Eder Militao is set to return to action before the new-look FIFA Club World Cup in June next year. The 26-year-old suffered a potentially season-ending ACL injury in a 4-0 La Liga home win over Osasuna in November.
It was the Brazilian's second ACL injury after one on his left knee had forced him to miss nearly the entirety of the 2023-24 campaign. Los Blancos, though, hardly missed Militao, as they clinched three titles, including their second La Liga-UEFA Champions League double in three years.
While Militao is unlikely to feature again this season, Marca (as per Managing Madrid) has reported that the defender is set to be a key part of the Madrid backline next season. Carlo Ancelotti's side, though, aren't looking to rush the Brazilian back into action despite being plagued by injuries to key personnel at various times this season.
Last month, Los Blancos had posted on their website last month that Militao had undergone a successful surgery for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
The Brazilian has been a key player for Los Blancos since his first-team debut in the 2019-20 season. In 172 games across competitions, he has registered 12 goals and six assists. That includes 17 games across competitions this season, contributing a goal and an assist before suffering his second ACL injury in as many years.
What's next for Real Madrid?
Real Madrid are in the midst of a solid season despite a few hiccups along the way. The holders are second in the La Liga standings after 18 games, a point behind leaders Atletico Madrid (41).
In the UEFA Champions League, the defending champions have struggled, though, winning only three of their opening six games, losing three. They are 20th in the 36-team field.
Coming off a 4-2 home win over Sevilla in La Liga to end the year, Carlo Ancelotti's side return to action on January 3 at Valencia in the league. Three days later, they travel to Dep Mineiro in the Copa del Rey.
Los Blancos are riding a four-game unbeaten streak across competitions, winning thrice, since a 2-1 league defeat at leaders Atletico earlier this month. Madrid have lost five times this season - thrice away and twice at home - with two of these defeats coming in the league.
