Real Madrid star to return from injury after lengthy absence as Vinicius Junior becomes doubt | OneFootball

Real Madrid have cause for celebration this week, with the long-awaited return of defender Eder Militao on the cards. The Brazilian has been ravaged by injuries over the last three seasons, but has been a key player when fit for Los Blancos.

Militao suffered cruciate ligament injuries in successive seasons in 2023 and 2024, before making his comeback at the start of this season. He was back in shape and immediately became a crucial part of Xabi Alonso’s side. However a hamstring tear in December has robbed him of four months of action.

Eder Militao set to receive green light to return

As reported by Sport, Militao could make his reappearance against RCD Mallorca this weekened. Militao has been back training with the rest of the team over the international break, and internally, Real Madrid believe he is ready to come back to action. It gives Alvaro Arbeloa plenty of options in the back. No doubt they will take things slowly with Militao, but he will be keen to prove his fitness to Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the World Cup, and will be tasked with displacing one of Antonio Rudiger or Dean Huijsen from the starting XI.

Ferland Mendy targeting Bayern return leg

At left-back, Real Madrid have plenty of cover in Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia, but Ferland Mendy is yet to come back after suffering the consequences of his efforts against Manchester City. ESPN report that he is likely to return in time either for Real Madrid’s home tie with Girona on the 10th, or the return leg against Bayern Munich on the 15th the following week in the Champions League.

Vinicius is a doubt for Mallorca clash

Militao may be able to return against Mallorca this weekend, but both El Chiringuito and Diario AS report that Vinicius Junior is unlikely to return to the starting XI. After missing training last weekend with Brazil, Vinicius has not returned with an injury, but is feeling fatigued, and is likely to be rested as a result.

With Jude Bellingham also likely to be on the bench, it seems Kylian Mbappe will be tasked with leading the line against Los Bermellones, with Real Madrid desperate to apply pressure on Barcelona before they head to the Metropolitano to face Atletico Madrid. Fede Valverde is absent through suspension, and Rodrygo Goes and Thibaut Courtois remain out injured too.