Militao returns to action after almost six months

Real Madrid C.F.

Real Madrid has recovered this Sunday a of its most important. Éder Militao returned to play official minutes after almost six months away from the pitch, taking part in the final stages of the 4-1 win over Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The Brazilian defender came on in the 85th minute in place of Fede Valverde, making that a decisive step in his recovery. Although his spell was brief, his return is a very positive development for José Mourinho, as it expands his defensive options at a particularly demanding point in the calendar.

An absence of almost 180 days and a long injury history

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Militao's last appearance dated back to the 21 April 2026, when he suffered a serious injury during the match against Deportivo Alavés. Medical tests confirmed a rupture of the proximal tendon of the left hamstring, a problem that forced him to go under the knife on 28 April.

Since then, the centre-back has gone through a long rehabilitation process, gradually increasing the training load until he rejoined team training with his team-mates in late September. His return to competition has come after approximately 180 days without playing an official match. 

But this has not been the only major injury of his career. The Brazilian suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in August of 2023 and another in his right knee in November of 2024. Two particularly serious injuries that were followed by new muscle problems, turning the last few seasons into an outright obstacle course for the defender.

A very important boost for Mourinho's plans

Militao's recovery represents a major addition for José Mourinho, especially given the player's characteristics. His pace, strength in one-on-one duels, his ability to cover space behind and his strength in aerial play are qualities that could prove fundamental to the defensive system of the Portuguese coach.

In addition, the Brazilian will bring experience to a defence in which they currently compete Huijsen, Konaté and Rüdiger for the centre-back spots. If he can get back to his best version, Militao has more than enough arguments to become anew one of the key pieces in the Madrid XI again.

However, the coaching staff will have to act with caution. After so many injuries, the priority will be to gradually regain competitive rhythm, avoiding taking unnecessary risks that could cause a new setback.

The Clasico and the Champions League, the next targets

Militao's return comes at a particularly important moment in the season. Real Madrid will face this week the Champions League match against RB Leipzig, before visiting Barcelona in the Clasico of next Sunday 25 October.

Although it seems too soon to think about a immediate starting spot, Mourinho already has another option to take on these fixtures. The Brazilian's progress during the next training sessions will be decisive in determining the role he can take on.