Brazilian defender Éder Militão of Real Madrid suffered a serious knee injury during a league match in San Mamés. In a play where he attempted to dispossess the opposing player, Spaniard Oihan Sancet, Militão twisted awkwardly and pulled up in the 50th minute. Medical teams were quick to respond, and after initial on-field evaluation, he was taken off for more thorough testing to determine the full extent of the damage.
Following a series of formal evaluations, Real Madrid confirmed that Militão sustained a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The club stated that surgery would be necessary in the coming days to address the injury and set the recovery process in motion. This development was reported by the club through its official communications channel, underscoring the seriousness of the setback and the immediate impact on the squad’s defensive options (Real Madrid official communications).
Real Madrid’s social media feed echoed the club’s medical diagnosis, reinforcing the message that Militão will undergo surgical intervention to repair the torn ACL. The team’s announcement highlighted the anticipation of a structured rehabilitation program designed to return him to top form as soon as possible, subject to his recovery progress and surgeon recommendations (Real Madrid CF social media report).
The injury places a notable constraint on Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive lineup. With Militão sidelined, the coach faces the challenge of rotating players to fill the void in central defense. This situation brings into focus the depth of Madrid’s squad, including established starters and versatile cover who can step in as needed. The team will likely lean on veteran Nacho Fernández, the experienced Rudiger, and other center-back options to maintain stability at the back while Militão recovers. The absence of Militão is set against the backdrop of a demanding schedule that tests squad depth and strategic planning across competitions.
There is a wider context for Real Madrid, as the club has faced another significant knee injury in recent times. Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois also suffered a knee issue during a recent training session, adding to the club’s defensive and goalkeeping concerns. The timing of Courtois’s injury and Militão’s ACL rupture has prompted the medical staff to map out recovery timelines that balance long-term health with competitive demands. A medical source familiar with the club’s approach indicated that such injuries often require a careful, phased return to training and match play, with a strong emphasis on gradual load management and functional rehabilitation (Internal medical briefing cited by club affiliates).
In assessing the expected healing trajectory for Militão, the head of medicine at the Ripoll and Prado Sports Clinic described parts of the recovery as highly individualized. Doctors typically outline a recovery window that aligns with the severity of the rupture and the patient’s response to surgery and rehabilitation. For an ACL rupture in the left knee, a typical timeline often centers on several months of rehabilitation before a return to full competitive activity can be contemplated. The precise duration can vary based on individual progress, surgical technique, and adherence to a structured rehabilitation plan (Dr. medical briefing, Ripoll and Prado Clinic).
In addition to Militão, there has been talk around other squad members who may need attention in the near term. Turkish midfielder Arda Güler has been mentioned as potentially facing a procedure in the coming days, with concerns focusing on the meniscus in his right leg. While the signs point to a shorter downtime compared to the ACL injury, the medical status of Güler remains a focal point for Madrid’s medical staff as they monitor symptoms and set expectations for his return to action. The ongoing assessment highlights Madrid’s cautious approach to injuries, aiming to preserve long-term player health while maintaining competitiveness on all fronts.