Eder Militao’s 700‑Day Injury Nightmare Continues

The Brazilian centre‑back has now missed more than 700 days of action across three campaigns, a staggering tally that eclipses most long‑term injuries in modern football. Over that span he has endured eight separate setbacks, ranging from cruciate ligament tears to a hamstring rupture, each knocking him off the pitch for weeks or months. The latest problem, a left hamstring tear that required surgery, is expected to keep him roughly four months on the sidelines, pushing his comeback to around October. As a result, Real Madrid’s new season will begin without one of its most reliable defensive pillars, forcing Jose Mourinho to rely on alternate options.

A Year of Setbacks

Militao’s difficult spell began in the 2023‑24 campaign when he suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee. That single issue kept him away from competitive play for 231 days, already setting a grim benchmark for the season. The blow arrived just as he was cementing his reputation among the elite defenders in world football, turning a promising start into a prolonged absence.

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

The recurrence of such a severe knee injury shortly after his return would normally derail any player’s confidence, and Militao’s early‑season absence sets a pessimistic tone for his chances of reclaiming his place at the heart of Real Madrid’s defence.

Following Campaign’s Double Blow

Unfortunately for Militao, the next season proved no kinder. He faced three additional problems, including a second ACL rupture—this time on the right side—accompanied by damage to both menisci. That injury added another 255 days to his mounting tally, highlighting a pattern of recurring severe damage. The repeated nature of the setbacks left the Brazilian feeling vulnerable, as each operation extended an already lengthy recovery.

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

The cumulative effect of these injuries has forced Militao to miss more than 700 days across three separate seasons, turning what could have been a peak period into a prolonged struggle. His absence has created a defensive void that Mourinho has been forced to fill with younger talents or seasoned veterans on short‑term deals. The uncertainty surrounding his fitness also impacts squad planning, as the club must balance short‑term needs with long‑term roster construction.

Last Season’s Accumulated Strain

The preceding campaign added four further injuries, extending his time on the sidelines by 214 days and pushing the total past the 700‑day mark. While recuperating from a left hamstring tear sustained on April 21, Militao underwent surgery and is projected to miss roughly four months. Real Madrid now expects his comeback around October, aligning with Mourinho’s hope to have the defender fully fit for the latter part of the campaign. The club’s medical team remains cautious, monitoring his progress to avoid a premature return that could risk further damage.

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What It Means for Real Madrid

With Militao likely missing the season’s opening months, Mourinho’s backline will need to adjust quickly and rely on experienced centre‑backs such as **Thilo Kehrer** and rookie **Franz Almería** to fill the gap. The defensive unit’s cohesion may suffer in the interim, giving rivals an opportunity to exploit any lapses in organization. However, the manager’s confidence in Militao’s quality suggests he will integrate the defender once he returns in October, restoring a familiar partnership. The extended absence also raises questions about rotation and depth, prompting calls for stronger cover in future transfers.