Real Madrid retain full confidence in defender as he closes in on return from long-term injury | OneFootball

Eder Militao is progressing steadily in his recovery from a serious knee injury, with growing optimism at Real Madrid that he could return in time for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer.

The Brazilian centre-back suffered a full rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament with damage to both menisci in November last year.

However, as has already been reported, his recovery is on schedule, and if no setbacks occur, he could be part of the squad that travels to the tournament starting next month.

Real Madrid remain confident in Eder Militao

In fact, Jorge C Picon reports that Real Madrid remain confident in Militao, even knowing it will take time for him to reach his best level again. After all, he has now suffered two back-to-back ACL injuries in two years.

In a squad plagued by defensive injuries, Militao’s return is being seen as a much-needed boost. Though the club is cautious not to rush him back, his recovery has gone smoothly.

This second ACL injury has been described as “cleaner” than the first, and from the start, neither the player nor the medical staff imposed a strict return date, avoiding any unnecessary pressure.

Militao’s recovery is progressing well. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Typical recovery time for this type of injury is 8-9 months, which would have originally put July as a realistic return window. Now, the Club World Cup is no longer ruled out.

Key figures in Militao’s recovery

Two people have been instrumental in Militao’s rehabilitation. One is Jaime Salom, a physiotherapist and recovery specialist at Real Madrid who is highly regarded by players.

He has been overseeing the player’s return with a carefully structured programme that now includes running, changes of pace, and, since March, extensive ball work. Salom also takes the defender to the Madrid mountains to test the stability of his knee in more natural conditions.

The other is Romario Queiroz, Militao’s personal trainer. During the March international break, the defender travelled to Brazil to work with him. Queiroz then accompanied him back to Spain to coordinate a combined programme with the club’s medical team.

With Antonio Rudiger sidelined after a knee operation and David Alaba at serious risk of missing the FIFA Club World Cup, Asencio is currently the only fully fit natural centre-back.

As such, Militao’s return, even in a non-starting role, would be a major relief for whoever is in charge of the team, whether it be Carlo Ancelotti, Santiago Solari, or Xabi Alonso.