"The journey back to the pitch begins" - Real Madrid star sends message on social media after successful surgery on ACL injury
Real Madrid defender Eder Militao has undergone a successful surgery to treat a torn ACL in his right knee. The Brazilian suffered the injury during the game against Osasuna earlier this month.
Militao endured a similar issue in his left knee 15 months ago and missed almost the entire 2023/24 season as a result. The 26-year-old was a first-team regular for Carlo Ancelotti this season, appearing in all 17 games, including 14 starts.
Sharing the news on social media, Militao said that he was ready to begin his journey towards recovery.
“Thank God, my surgery was successful. Many thanks to the doctors, Real Madrid, my family and everyone who supported me in the last days. The first part is over! Now the journey back to the pitch begins!” wrote Militao.
Militao's injury, however, is threatening to derail Los Blancos' season. The LaLiga giants bid adieu to Nacho Fernandez this summer and initially wanted to sign former Lille defender Leny Yoro as his replacement.
However, Real Madrid lost out to Manchester United in the race for the French starlet and opted against signing a new defender this summer. With Militao not expected to appear again this season, Ancelotti only has Antonio Rudiger and Jesus Vallejo as his available senior defenders.
Interestingly, the Spaniard is a forgotten man at the Santiago Bernabeu and has registered just 10 minutes of first-team action this season.
Will Real Madrid invest in a new defender in January?
Real Madrid are competing on multiple fronts this season, and with much of the season still left, they could consider bringing in defensive reinforcements in January. The LaLiga giants were also reportedly looking to re-sign former skipper Sergio Ramos, who is currently without a club.
But such rumors have died down since. Recent reports have suggested that Los Blancos have their eyes on Palmeiras starlet Vitor Reis for the job.
The Brazilian teenager is highly rated in his country and has also turned heads at multiple clubs in Europe. Madrid are also among his suitors and could be tempted to make a move for the player in January.
However, Reis is under contract with the Brazilian side until 2028, and prising him away in the winter could be a costly affair.