Rodrygo Resumes Ball Training as Real Madrid Return Nears
Rodrygo has resumed ball work at Valdebebas, a significant late-stage milestone in his rehabilitation from the serious right-knee injury suffered in March. The Real Madrid forward is now combining his physical recovery with technical exercises as he works towards a possible return between December and January.
What changed for the club
The Brazilian attacker underwent surgery on March 10 after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament and external meniscus in his right knee against Getafe at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 2. His initial recovery timetable was set at eight to nine months.
After returning to the training pitches for individual running sessions at the start of September, Rodrygo has progressed to working with the ball. He marked the earlier step by saying it felt good to be running on the field again, and the latest development places him in the final stretch of his programme.
Rodrygo has been a major part of Real Madrid’s squad since arriving from Santos in 2019. He has played 297 matches in all competitions, scored 71 goals and won three La Liga championships as well as two Champions League titles.
Jose Mourinho will be keen to have another established forward available, particularly with Vinicius Junior having struggled for form this season.
Competition context
Real Madrid have made an unconvincing start to the La Liga campaign under Mourinho. Seven league matches have brought 15 points, leaving the club fourth in the table and six points behind leaders Barcelona.
Rodrygo’s recovery also carries importance for Brazil. National-team coach Carlo Ancelotti visited Valdebebas last month to assess the player’s condition, with the forward still viewed as part of Brazil’s plans once he is fit again.
- Injury: anterior cruciate ligament and external meniscus damage in the right knee.
- Injury date: March 2, against Getafe.
- Surgery date: March 10.
- Current stage: individual technical work involving the ball.
What is scheduled next
There is no indication that Rodrygo is ready for collective training or match selection yet. Real Madrid expect the rehabilitation process to be completed during the December-to-January period, provided he continues to meet each remaining fitness target without setbacks.
His next steps will be managed carefully after months away from competition, with a return to full squad work and eventual availability for Mourinho dependent on his response to the final phase of knee recovery.
