Blow for Real Madrid with key defender set to miss four games due to injury
Militao is expected to miss up to four games
Real Madrid centre-half Eder Militao will be sidelined for at least a fortnight after damaging a thigh muscle during Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Tunisia yesterday.
The central defender appeared to be struggling for much of the friendly in Lille before finally going down on his haunches 13 minutes into the second half and then limping off.
Tests at Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground this morning confirmed he had an issue in his right leg with local reports suggesting he will miss the next two weeks.
A club statement read: “Following tests carried out today by the Real Madrid Medical Services on our player Éder Militão, he has been diagnosed with a muscular injury to the adductor magnus in his right leg. Further updates will follow.”
Which games will Militao miss?
Such is the hectic schedule at this time of year, the 27-year-old will likely miss four games.
Nov 23 – Elche (A)
Nov 26 – Olympiacos (A)
Nov 30 – Girona (A)
Dec 3 – Athletic Bilbao (A)
A quirk in the fixture list means Madrid don’t play again at the Santiago Bernabeu until December 7 when they host Celta Vigo. So, Xabi Alonso will have to take his side to four difficult venues without arguably his best defender.
The hope is he will be able to feature in part against Celta and then be fully fit for the Champions League clash with Manchester City three days later.
What impact will Militao’s absence have?
It is not great timing for Madrid with Antonio Rudiger not yet ready to play after suffering his own injury.
Dean Huijsen also returned early from Spain duty but is expected to be fit for the game with Elche.
Raul Asencio is available and will likely partner Huijsen at the weekend. If the former Bournemouth man is ruled out then Alonso will probably ask Aurelien Tchouameni to drop back from midfield into the back four, as he did on a semi-regular basis last season.