Real Madrid defender could make a comeback in Club World Cup knockouts | OneFootball

While Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio did indeed start the new tournament as Real Madrid’s starting centre-back combination for the FIFA Club World Cup, the latter’s suspension saw Antonio Rudiger overtake him and earn a start in the final game against RB Salzburg.

The German international’s return from injury earlier this month, after all, came as a massive relief for the coach as it broadened his options in the department and gave him some room to rotate players on need.

Now, as relayed by Sergio Quirante, Real Madrid are very close to welcoming back another central defender into the mix and could thus be past their centre-back crisis very soon.

Militao’s return

The Spanish journalist reports that Eder Militao’s recovery has been progressing well and that he is now on the verge of a return to the dynamics in what comes as a much-needed boost to the club.

Eder Militao is set to return soon. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

If everything goes to plan, he is even expected to be included in Real Madrid’s squad for the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup along with Endrick who is also poised for a comeback.

The last two seasons have been treacherous for Militao as he suffered two consecutive ACL injuries, the second weeks after recovering from the first, thus effectively ruling him out for close to two years.

Needless to say, his return comes as a massive boost for Xabi Alonso but the manager must be equally cautious while phasing out the Brazilian’s return to avoid another relapse which could effectively destroy Militao’s career.

The defender’s first ACL injury saw him miss 45 games for the club while the second has seen him miss 49 games so far.

As such, the player will need time to get back to steam but there is no denying that he is one of the finest defenders on the planet once he is back in touch.