Eder Militao, the talented defender for Real Madrid, is on track for a comeback in November following an extensive recovery period from an injury. This news arrives as a significant boost for Jose Mourinho, who has yet to field the center-back since taking the reins at Los Blancos.
According to reports from AS, Militao continues to progress through his rehabilitation before he can re-enter the competitive scene in Real Madrid’s defense. The Brazilian international has encountered a string of injury challenges over the past two to three years, which makes his anticipated return all the more exciting. This comes at a critical time, as Real Madrid’s defensive unit is in less than ideal shape, and Mourinho needs additional options to maintain squad depth throughout the season.
The Long Road to Recovery
Militao suffered two ACL injuries in back-to-back seasons during the 2023 to 2025 timeframe. These injuries were a significant setback for a player who had been a key figure in Real Madrid‘s defense. Upon returning from the ACL issues, he faced another three-month absence due to a muscle fiber tear, which kept him sidelined from late 2025 until the end of March 2026. Shortly after his return, Militao found himself dealing with a hamstring issue, leading to yet another indefinite period on the sidelines, thus missing the opportunity to play under Mourinho.
If Militao indeed returns in November, it will mean over six months of recovery from his latest injury. Consequently, gradually rebuilding his fitness will be essential. As Real Madrid’s performance this season has been close to their worst since the 2020s, Militao’s comeback could provide the much-needed impetus for the team.
His return could give a significant boost to Real Madrid’s defensive line, which currently has very limited options at center-back. Dean Huijsen faces suspension for the match against Villarreal, while Raul Asencio has just undergone surgery. Although Ibrahima Konate is available, he has recently returned from injury, and his fitness for upcoming matches remains uncertain. Therefore, Militao’s presence would be invaluable at this juncture.
Managing Match Load and Building Confidence
However, it’s likely that Mourinho will be cautious in how many minutes he assigns to Militao. Given his history of injuries, careful management of match load is crucial to avoid further physical complications. Real Madrid does have a pool of talented center-backs; with consistent fitness management, Mourinho could optimize rotations without pushing Militao too hard.
The primary goal is not just to see Militao back on the pitch, but to provide him with a sense of continuity. Even if he doesn’t start regularly right away, gradual playing time can help him regain both confidence and game rhythm. For Real Madrid, this return comes at a moment of great need, while for Militao, November could mark the beginning of his significant role in the squad once again.
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