Éder Militão
RMA
CB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Jan 18, 1998 (28)
Right
6'1"
172 lb
Real MadridProgressing toward full training
Militao (hamstring) is now able to run lightly on the training pitch at Valdebebas, including in boots, and has begun basic ball contact exercises, according to AS.
Analysis: Militao underwent surgery in Finland last March on his torn femoral biceps tendon and has continued working with physios Ricardo Sasaki and Renato Valenca in Brazil to build on that progress. His return is expected after the upcoming international break, and once back, he's expected to raise the level at center back for a position where Dean Huijsen is still adapting following the injury to Raul Asencio, which pushed Real Madrid to test academy options Mario Rivas and Joan Martinez as emergency depth this summer.
Targeting late September return
Militao (hamstring) is expected to return in the end of September to start of October period, according to Diario AS, per Madrid Xtra.
Analysis: Militao's recovery timeline pushes back earlier hopes of a return for the Aug. 22 league opener against Espanyol, a setback for a player Real Madrid had hoped to have anchoring the backline this season. He had recently been spotted training with the ball and progressing well in his rehabilitation from hamstring surgery, but this update tempers those expectations considerably. Dean Huijsen is expected to pair with either Antonio Rudiger or Ibrahima Konate in central defense until Militao's return. Militao is expected to continue his recovery process as the club provides further updates.
Training with ball
Militao (hamstring) was spotted training with the ball Wednesday, according to Bernabeu Digital.
Analysis: This is another positive development for Militao, who continues to work hard to complete his comeback in time to be a steady presence in the defensive line. The defender's goal is to be ready for the 2026/27 league opener against Espanyol on Aug. 22.
Training on grass
Militao (hamstring) is training on grass as he continues working his way back from the hamstring surgery he underwent in April, according to Madrid Xtra.
Analysis: Militao had previously been confined to gym work, so this outdoor session marks real progress after a season limited to just 21 appearances across LaLiga and the Champions League. His aerial strength, physical duels and calm distribution out of the back make him an undisputed starter whenever healthy, and Real Madrid will lean on him to anchor the backline even with Ibrahima Konate now in the fold. Militao is expected to keep building toward full training as his rehabilitation continues.
Spotted training in gym
Militao (hamstring) was spotted training in the gym as he works his way back from a hamstring surgery he underwent in April.
Analysis: Militao hasn't been part of group training, but the majority of the Real Madrid squad hasn't returned for preseason duty, so the Brazilian defender is working his way back in the gym. Militao was limited to just 21 appearances between LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League in 2025/26, and Real Madrid need him healthy to anchor the defensive line despite the addition of Ibrahima Konate in the summer transfer window.
Undergoes successful surgery
Militao has successfully undergone surgery for a rupture of the proximal tendon of the left biceps femoris, performed by Dr. Lasse Lempainen under the supervision of Real Madrid's medical services, according to the club.
Analysis: Militao ends the campaign with two goals, one assist, 28 tackles and 86 clearances across 21 appearances, a bittersweet tally for a player who showed his quality whenever fit but simply could not stay healthy. The surgery marks the latest chapter in what has been a brutal three-season stretch for the Brazilian center-back, who has missed more than 230 days to injury in each of the last three campaigns, a staggering toll that has prevented him from establishing the consistent presence his talent deserves. The World Cup this summer is now completely out of the question, and his focus will shift entirely to being fully fit and ready to go when the 2026/27 season kicks off, with Real Madrid and Brazil both desperately needing him healthy for the long term.
Surgery confirmed, WC dream over
Militao will undergo surgery on his left hamstring after the wound from his initial December injury against Celta Vigo reopened, ending any hope of featuring at the World Cup this summer, according to Miguel Angel Diaz of COPE.
Analysis: Militao had been battling to recover from the biceps femoris setback but the reopening of the original scar has forced the club's hand, with surgery now the only option to properly address the injury. The Brazilian center-back ends what has been a desperately unlucky season due to injuries and ends the season with two goals, one assist, 28 tackles and 86 clearances across 21 appearances in all competitions, having shown his quality whenever fit before injury struck again. Antonio Rudiger will continue covering in central defense for the remainder of Real Madrid's season, while Militao now faces a lengthy rehabilitation process that will keep him out well into the new season and deny him the chance to represent Brazil at the World Cup.
Could miss World Cup
Militao suffered a setback in his biceps femoris injury with the wound reopening, potentially requiring surgery and putting his participation in the World Cup with Brazil at serious risk, according to Tiempo de Juego.
Analysis: Militao had only recently returned from a lengthy hamstring injury before this latest recurrence, making it an incredibly frustrating situation for the Brazilian center-back who simply cannot stay healthy. The prospect of surgery would extend his recovery timeline significantly, casting a dark cloud over his summer plans with the Selecao heading into the World Cup. Antonio Rudiger is expected to continue covering in the starting role at Real Madrid while the full extent of the setback is assessed, with the club set to make a decision on the surgical route in the coming days.
Biceps femoris injury
Militao (hamstring) has been diagnosed with a muscle injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg and will be monitored on a day-to-day basis, according to the club.
Analysis: Militao's latest injury is another significant blow for a player who has struggled to stay healthy, having only recently returned from a lengthy hamstring setback. The biceps femoris is part of the hamstring muscle group, making this a particularly concerning development given his recent injury history in that area. Antonio Rudiger is expected to continue in the starting role at center-back while Militao works through his recovery. The day-to-day monitoring suggests the club is taking a cautious approach, and no return timeline has been established at this stage.
Set for MRI Thursday
Militao (knee) was forced off during Tuesday's clash against Alaves after not wanting to risk further damage, with an MRI scheduled for Thursday to determine the severity of the issue, according to Sergio Quirante of DAZN.
Analysis: Militao had only recently returned from a lengthy hamstring injury, making any new problem a deeply concerning development for both player and Real Madrid. The Brazilian center-back was replaced by Antonio Rudiger in first-half stoppage time and the club is taking no chances given his injury history, with the MRI results set to provide a much clearer picture of what the next steps will be. Rudiger is expected to continue in the starting role while the club awaits the diagnosis, with Militao's involvement in the final stretch of the La Liga season and potentially the World Cup now hanging in the balance.
Forced off against Alaves
Militao abandoned Tuesday's matchup versus Alaves with an apparent leg injury, touching his knees before leaving the pitch, Albert Ortega of El Confidencial reports.
Analysis: Militao was replaced by Antonio Rudiger in first-half stoppage time during his third straight start across all competitions. While it remains unclear exactly what happened to the Brazilian, this could be a worrying issue, especially considering his injury history, as he recently returned from a major hamstring tear. Moreover, a knee problem would potentially rule him out for the remaining 2025/26 La Liga fixtures and put his World Cup participation in doubt.
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