Éder Militão Cleared for Final Stage of Real Madrid Return
Éder Militão has completed his final physical assessment as he approaches a return to Real Madrid training following surgery for a serious proximal hamstring tendon injury. The Brazil centre-back has spent five months out and has now been cleared to progress into the last phase of his rehabilitation at Valdebebas.
Why Militão’s return matters for Real Madrid
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Last competitive appearance | Real Madrid 2-1 Alavés, April 21 |
| Latest operation | April 28, 2026, for a severe proximal hamstring tendon injury |
| Latest lay-off | Five months |
| Injuries since 2023 | Eight |
| Total time unavailable since 2023-24 | 781 days |
| Earlier left-knee ACL absence | 231 days |
| Right-knee ACL and meniscus absence | 255 days |
The final review was overseen by Dr Lasse Lempainen, the Finnish surgeon who operated on Militão earlier this year. Lempainen travelled to Madrid to assess the defender in person and work alongside the club’s medical and performance departments during a full day focused on the player’s return.
The specialist said Militão was continuing to meet the expected recovery targets after the tendon operation. He added that the objective is not merely getting the 26-year-old back on the pitch, but restoring him safely to the physical level required to perform at the top level.
Militão has been undertaking demanding individual work on the training field, with his sessions showing the mobility and power needed for his position. Medical clearance means he can now move towards collective work, although Real Madrid are expected to manage the transition carefully rather than rush him straight into competitive action.
His availability would give José Mourinho more options in a defence that has had to adjust repeatedly during the Brazilian’s absence. Real Madrid have used different combinations at the back and, at times, called on players outside their preferred roles to cover the vacancy left by Militão. His return would add pace, aerial authority and experience before a crowded October programme across La Liga and the Champions League.
A difficult injury record since 2023
The hamstring problem is the latest in a prolonged sequence of fitness setbacks for Militão. Since the start of the 2023-24 season, he has accumulated 781 days away from action through eight separate injuries.
That period began with an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee, an injury that ruled him out for 231 days. After returning, he then sustained a complete ACL rupture in the right knee, accompanied by meniscus damage, leading to a further 255-day rehabilitation process.
His current recovery began after the April 28 operation. The club’s priority is for the former Porto defender to build sufficient conditioning in team training before being exposed to the pace and physical demands of domestic and European fixtures.
Brazil will also monitor his progress
Militão’s return carries significance beyond Madrid. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti will be watching his fitness and match form as the national side looks ahead to major international tournaments and the 2026-27 campaign. Militão’s reading of danger and recovery speed have made him an important option for both club and country.
What remains to be decided
Real Madrid have not set a confirmed date for Militão’s first match back. His workload will be tailored in the coming weeks, with full integration into the squad dependent on how he responds to team training and the demands of the October schedule.
