Real Madrid forward gets closer to returning from long-term injury after key step forward | OneFootball

According to MARCA, Real Madrid forward Rodrygo Goes took one of the most eagerly awaited steps of his recovery from his ACL injury today.

The Brazilian forward touched a football again at Valdebebas, a seemingly routine moment that carries much greater significance for a player who has spent more than six months away from the pitch.

It was the latest step in a rehabilitation process that the attacker has been working through patiently since last winter and which is now beginning to approach its final stages.

It was on 2 March against Getafe that Rodrygo suffered from a torn ACL and lateral meniscus in his right knee, the most serious injury of his career.

It ruled him out of the decisive part of last season and the 2026 FIFA World Cup he had hoped to play with Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti.

On 10 March, he underwent surgery, beginning a rehabilitation process estimated to take eight or nine months.

Rodrygo suffered the ACL injury in March. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Since then, Rodrygo has been progressing through each stage steadily and without rushing, aware that there is little value in accelerating the recovery from an injury of this severity.

Real Madrid, for their part, have maintained firm control over the timetable and has been unwilling to bring forward any stage of the process.

From running to working with the ball

The first major milestone came at the beginning of September, when the Brazilian returned to the pitch at the training ground to run separately from the group.

Several weeks of work have now passed between that controlled running session and his first contact with the ball.

Now, with the ball back at his feet, Rodrygo is entering the final stretch of a process that remains scheduled to conclude with his return between December and January.

Rodrygo has resumed working with the ball in training. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

There is still work to do, particularly in recovering his match fitness, rhythm and full confidence in a knee that required surgery.

Real Madrid’s injury list is beginning to clear

The most difficult part of the process is now behind him, and Rodrygo is gradually moving towards a return to a team that has changed considerably in his absence.

More importantly for Real Madrid, he is also not the only player beginning to see the end of his rehabilitation.

Eder Militao, another Brazilian who has endured an extended period on the sidelines, is already running alongside his teammates.

Ferland Mendy is also progressing with his recovery and has been seen working with the ball.

These three gradual returns will give Jose Mourinho players who have been unavailable for the opening stages of the season.