This injury will force Eder Militão to stay away from the pitch for approximately 15 days, making it more difficult for the Royal team to prepare for the important match against Manchester City on December 10 at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, in the return leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League.
The Spanish newspaper “AS” reported that the injury occurred while Militão was participating with the Brazilian national team in the friendly match against Tunisia. The player felt sharp pain in the second minute of the match, and almost asked to be substituted immediately, but he decided to continue playing, believing it was just a temporary cramp.
The pain recurred in the middle of the first half, before Militão was eventually forced to leave in the 58th minute, as he left the field limping clearly, putting his hand on his thigh area and shaking his head, denying his ability to complete the match. The medical staff of the Brazilian national team immediately intervened, and great concern prevailed inside Real Madrid.
After returning to the Valdebebas training center in Madrid, Militão underwent accurate medical examinations by the club’s medical staff, and the results revealed a grade II tear in the adductor magnus muscle.
Although the injury is not very serious and does not require surgery, the expected period of absence (about two weeks to 15 days) means that the player will miss a series of important matches.
At least four matches without the “Defense Czar”
Real Madrid will miss Militão in at least four matches, all away from home and with increasing difficulty level: “Elche (La Liga), Olympiacos (Champions League), Girona (La Liga), Athletic Bilbao at the San Mamés stadium (La Liga).”
As for the fifth match against Celta Vigo at the Bernabéu, Militão may be able to play for a few minutes if the recovery process goes perfectly. The main goal of the medical staff is to bring him back in full fitness for the decisive match against Manchester City, where Real Madrid seeks to compensate for the first-leg loss at Anfield and avoid repeating the failures in the major matches this season.
“AS” confirmed that Militão’s absence represents a major loss on both the technical and moral levels, as the Brazilian has become the main pillar in the heart of the Royal team’s defense, and his presence gives his teammates more stability and confidence in difficult confrontations.
Figures highlight the importance of Militão
Just a few days ago, after winning against Juventus in the Champions League, coach Xabi Alonso praised Militão, saying: “Militão being at this level is great news for everyone. He has regained his good feeling, and feels stronger and more determined in everything he does. And he will continue to improve.” These words confirm that the Brazilian player has indeed regained the title of “Defense Czar” that he lost for long periods due to a previous cruciate ligament injury.
The figures support this assessment: “The most winner of aerial balls in the team (34 balls), wins in almost two-thirds of the dual defensive confrontations (50 out of 75), scored the valuable winning goal against Espanyol with a powerful header.”
He also participated as a starter in 9 matches this season, with a total of 1080 minutes, becoming the eighth most participating Real Madrid player, and the player with the highest minutes among the center-backs (surpassing Dean Huijsen by 36 minutes).
The list of injured players is growing… and Rüdiger and Tchouaméni are close to returning
The list of injured players currently includes other prominent names: Dean Huijsen, Kylian Mbappé, Eduardo Camavinga, Thibaut Courtois, and Federico Valverde, but their injuries are all minor and do not cause great concern before the Elche match. As for Dani Carvajal, he is still the longest absentee, as he is expected to be out until the beginning of 2026 or mid-December at the earliest.
On the other hand, there is positive news: Antonio Rüdiger, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Franco Mastantuono are close to returning. Rüdiger (hamstring injury) and Tchouaméni (hamstring muscle) are in the final stage of recovery, and Tchouaméni has already partially participated in group training. As for Mastantuono, his situation is still the most ambiguous due to pubalgia, but reports indicate a noticeable improvement.
Raúl Asensio’s hour: The young man’s great opportunity
In light of these circumstances, Militão’s absence opens the door for young defender Raúl Asensio to take on a larger role in the heart of the defense. Asensio had previously played as a starter against Osasuna and made a decisive goal for Jude Bellingham in his first official appearance. After the decline in David Alaba’s level, Dean Huijsen’s fatigue, and Rüdiger’s approaching return, the injury puts Asensio at the forefront.
The young player has overcome his shaky start in the Club World Cup, and has shown a noticeable improvement, and was one of the few positives in the recent Rayo Vallecano match. He is scheduled to get his real chance starting with the Elche match on Sunday.
In recent statements to Real Madrid’s official channel, Asensio praised his teammates Militão and Mbappé, saying: “I play with Militão in the same position and I know very well how difficult it is to score that goal against Espanyol from that angle.”
He added: “Militão is truly an exceptional player, and I know Mbappé’s value well, but I am used to what he offers on the pitch.” Regarding his future: “I live day by day with Real Madrid, being in this club is a great honor, and I know the value of the team well.”
With this, Real Madrid faces a real test of the depth of its squad in the coming weeks, with great hope for Militão’s return as soon as possible to lead the defense in the fateful match against City.
