Real Madrid key defender will not play vs Man City in the UCL quarter-final 1st leg | OneFootball

An ACL injury is one of the worst injuries a footballer can suffer in a given season. The setback can often cost a player close to an entire year on the sidelines, often having devastating consequences on their long-term fitness.

It is thus not surprising that Real Madrid are being extra-cautious with their stars who suffered the same.

Despite maintaining an eagle’s eye on their progress, Thibaut Courtois suffered a second setback and the priority now is to recover Eder Militao.

Not being rushed

Earlier this month, it was reported that Real Madrid’s Brazilian centre-back was progressing well in his recovery. Back on the field working with the ball, there were high hopes he would be back fit after the end of the international break.

The latest report from Mario Cortegana, however, reveals that Real Madrid have opted to take a step back in Militao’s return.

Contrary to what was expected, Militao will not play against Manchester City despite being close to a complete return.

In fact, he will be included in the squad for the weekend’s clash against Athletic Club but will not feature on the night.

His return to the field, in all probability, will thus be against Mallorca after the clash against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Multiple factors involved

Eder Militao is rightly considered Real Madrid’s best defender when fit. As was seen last season, the Brazilian is Carlo Ancelotti’s first-choice centre-back and is one to lead the team’s backline for the long haul.

Militao has been out since the first day of the season. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The decision to exclude him for the critical UCL clash, thus, is not linked just to his fitness and the risk of a relapse.

Militao stepped off the field injured in Real Madrid’s opening La Liga fixture of the season, which was ironically against Athletic Club.

He returns to the squad for the reverse fixture against the same team and is understandably rusty after a prolonged period on the sidelines.

Given what rides on the first leg against Manchester City and the sheer class of the opposition Real Madrid face in the quarterfinals, it is thus understandable to keep the Brazilian away from action.

After all, it would be unfair and unsafe to throw him into the deep end over eight months after his injury.