The Belgian goalkeeper and the Brazilian center back are entering distinct rehabilitation paths after surgeries, with medical teams closely overseeing every step to ensure a safe and steady return to action. Real Madrid and the clubs involved are aligning rehabilitation plans with broader team goals, prioritizing long-term health and consistent progression over quick fixes.
<p Thibaut Courtois and Éder Militão faced demanding recovery periods, each requiring meticulous care and ongoing medical oversight from specialists. The procedures were conducted in controlled clinical settings, under the supervision of experienced medical professionals, with Real Madrid’s medical staff providing continuous support to maximize the chance of a full, durable return to peak performance. The focus remains on precision, gradual progression, and the safeguarding of future joint health as both players resume their competitive careers.
Courtois underwent surgery earlier today to address a cruciate ligament injury, with additional meniscal damage discovered during the procedure. The operation was led by Dr. Manuel Leyes in an environment designed to optimize precision and minimize recovery time while protecting the integrity of the knee for the long term. While the injuries are serious, medical assessments indicate that the overall timeline for return to elite competition remains within expected bounds, assuming strict adherence to the rehabilitation plan and disciplined training approaches that emphasize controlled progression and careful risk management.
Immediately after the operation, Courtois entered the early post-operative phase. The rehabilitation plan centers on a careful restoration of range of motion, gradual gain of strength, and enhanced proprioception, followed by sport-specific conditioning tailored to the goalkeeper’s unique demands. The program aims to rebuild explosive power, rapid reaction capabilities, and decision-making acuity in measured stages, all coordinated with medical staff and coaching personnel to ensure alignment with performance benchmarks and match readiness while emphasizing durable performance over short-term gains.
Militão also received surgical care for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, with the same level of expertise and oversight ensuring consistency in care. Real Madrid’s medical service oversaw the procedure, and the defender’s rehabilitation will focus on improving posture, joint stability, and leg strength through a structured, progressive plan. The initial emphasis will be on joint protection and pain control, followed by controlled loading, balance training, and functional drills designed to restore high-intensity performance safely and effectively.
Both players will embark on individualized rehabilitation journeys in the coming days, with daily assessments designed to monitor healing progress, adjust timelines, and inform return-to-play decisions. The overarching objective is a deliberate comeback that safeguards long-term health while restoring peak form. Medical staff will track vital signs, graft integrity where applicable, and the athletes’ responses to therapy, adjusting strategies as needed to keep progress steady and sustainable. Behind the scenes, the clubs, coaching staff, and support networks will coordinate to maintain squad continuity, preserving competitiveness while protecting the futures of these two key players.