Real Madrid’s international break has brought fresh concern over key absences, but it has also delivered a long-awaited return for Eder Militao as the calendar turns towards Roma and the Champions League.
The decision
Militao has resumed partial training with the Real Madrid squad after five months out. The Brazilian defender had not worked with his team-mates since 28 April, having undergone surgery for a rupture of the proximal hamstring tendon.
A recent check-up with the surgeon who carried out the operation, Dr Lasse Laimpanen, gave Militao permission to step up his recovery. He has now joined a reduced group at the training ground, made up of players not involved with their national teams and others returning from injury.
For José Mourinho, it is a useful addition at a difficult point in the season. Real are preparing for the resumption of domestic football and a Champions League meeting with Roma, while the international window has left several important players under medical observation.
Kylian Mbappé is expected to miss at least 10 days after being injured while scoring against Turkey in his opening Nations League match. Federico Valverde, meanwhile, returned from the derby defeat to Atletico Madrid with discomfort in his left ankle. Tests identified a sprain, with fears that his lay-off could be significant.
Ibrahima Konaté has also been unable to join France after suffering ligament damage in his right leg. His absence adds to the strain on a squad which had already been dealing with Militao’s prolonged rehabilitation.
The defender’s return comes after an especially meaningful few days away from the pitch. Militao became a father for the second time last Saturday, before receiving clearance to resume work alongside the squad. It does not immediately solve Madrid’s wider injury problems, but it restores an experienced defender to Mourinho’s plans at a moment when the season is beginning to demand depth.
