700 days out: The astonishing injury battle endured by Real Madrid’s defensive leader | OneFootball

Few players in modern football have endured the level of misfortune experienced by Eder Militao, with the Brazilian defender now having spent an astonishing 700 days on the sidelines across the last three seasons.

According to MARCA, the Eder Militao injury record has become one of the most troubling stories within Real Madrid in recent years, with the centre-back suffering repeated setbacks just as he was establishing himself among the top defenders in world football.

For a player who had become the undisputed leader of Real Madrid’s backline, injuries have dramatically altered the trajectory of his career.

The latest setback means the Real Madrid defender is expected to miss the start of the new campaign, leaving Jose Mourinho to wait several more months before welcoming him back into the squad.

Militao injuries continue to disrupt Real Madrid plans

Militao’s difficult spell began during the 2023-24 season when he suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee.

Eder Militao has been out for 700 days now. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

That setback alone forced the Brazilian international to spend 231 days away from competitive action.

Unfortunately for the defender, the following campaign proved equally challenging.

The Eder Militao injuries continued to pile up, with three further problems occurring during the season, including another devastating ACL rupture, this time affecting his right knee and accompanied by damage to both menisci.

That injury kept the Real Madrid centre-back out for a further 255 days.

The nightmare certainly did not stop there.

Last season brought four additional injuries, adding another 214 days to an already alarming total.

Eder Militao will return in October. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

In total, across three seasons, Militao has suffered eight separate injuries and has been out for a whopping 700 days.

Militao facing another long recovery

Militao is currently recovering from his latest setback, a severe tear in his left hamstring sustained on April 21.

The injury required surgery and is expected to keep him out for around four months.

As a result of the Militao recovery process, he is unlikely to be available at the beginning of the season.

Instead, Real Madrid are targeting a return around October, when Jose Mourinho hopes to have one of his most important defensive players back at full fitness.