Éder Militao on the road to recovery after knee injury

Real Madrid faced a significant setback at the start of the LaLiga season as Éder Militao, just 49 minutes into his debut, suffered a devastating injury.

Leaving San Mamés in tears, the Brazilian defender’s diagnosis revealed a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, requiring immediate attention.

According to Relevo,he club acted swiftly, and on August 17, Dr. Manuel Leyes successfully performed surgery on Militao under the watchful eyes of the medical team.

This injury, coupled with Thibaut Courtois’ absence due to a similar issue, posed a challenging situation for Coach Ancelotti, as both players were expected to play crucial roles during the season.

The rupture of the cruciate ligament is a common and lengthy setback for football players. Militao underwent a period of joint immobilization and complete rest before initiating his recovery at Valdebebas Sports City’s gym, where he diligently exercises daily. The fortunate aspect of an unaffected meniscus has expedited the rehabilitation process.

Two months post-surgery, Militao discarded his crutches and began showing promising signs. The defender enlisted the help of his personal physical trainer from Brazil to accelerate the rehabilitation process further.

As for the timeline of his return, initial scans suggested a minimum recovery period of six to seven months. Militao is on track to meet this timeline, and sources close to him indicate that he is “practically ready.”

The Brazilian is expected to rejoin his teammates in April, with Ancelotti expressing the intention to utilize the break, aiming for a return after April 14.

The ultimate goal is to make him available for the potential Champions League quarterfinal second leg, scheduled for April 16 and 17.

Militao’s recovery has been successful, devoid of complications often associated with knee surgeries. The defender has overcome the initial challenges of rehabilitation and, since the beginning of January 2024, has resumed training on the Valdebebas pitch, gradually intensifying his workouts.

However, caution prevails to avoid overloading, which could lead to contractures or minor fiber breaks.

The coaching staff emphasizes a careful approach, stressing that Militao’s well-being and a risk-free recovery take precedence.

At 25 years old with a contract until 2028, the club understands the importance of ensuring his sustained fitness. This injury marks the first significant setback in Militao’s career, and while the club encourages patience, there is an eagerness for his swift return to the playing field.

As the Brazilian defender progresses in his rehabilitation, Real Madrid fans eagerly await the day he rejoins the squad, providing a crucial defensive boost for the remainder of the season.