Real Madrid Dealt Crushing Blow as Eder Militao Faces Extended Injury Layoff
Real Madrid defender Éder Militão has been confirmed to have suffered a hamstring tear and will remain sidelined until April, according to an official club statement released Monday afternoon.
The Brazilian picked up the injury during Los Blancos' 2–0 loss to Celta Vigo over the weekend. Militão executed an impressive defensive sprint to track back and challenge visiting forward Pablo Durán, who had broken through on goal, before collapsing and grabbing the rear of his left leg.
Real Madrid's medical team attended to the center-back on the field, but it became apparent that Militão was unable to carry on. With support from staff, the 33-year-old hobbled off the pitch and into the tunnel during the 24th minute.
Following additional medical examinations, the club announced that Militão had suffered a rupture to the biceps femoris muscle in his left leg, particularly impacting the proximal tendon.
The extent of this injury will keep Militão out of action for approximately four months, according to MARCA. This marks the third consecutive season that the defender has endured a significant injury while wearing the white jersey; having overcome consecutive ACL injuries, he has now returned to the treatment room with a hamstring rupture.
Defensive Crisis Compounds Xabi Alonso's Challenges
Militão's absence for such a lengthy duration would represent a significant setback for Real Madrid under any circumstances, but the timing proves especially devastating for the club. Xabi Alonso is already managing without the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy and David Alaba.
The Spanish manager, who faces mounting pressure during Los Blancos' current poor form, must now organize his squad for Manchester City with only four defenders at his disposal: Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio, Álvaro Carreras and Fran García.
Alonso's situation becomes even more challenging for the upcoming weekend fixture against Alavés. Both Carreras and García will serve suspensions for the La Liga encounter following their dismissals against Celta Vigo, leaving the team completely without natural fullbacks.
Federico Valverde's stint back in central midfield proved brief; the Uruguayan will likely return to his right-wing position, while teammate Eduardo Camavinga may be deployed on the left flank.