Eder Militao has been given the green light to return for Real Madrid this weekend, with the Brazilian declaring himself “really looking forward to playing again” after nearly four months on the sidelines.
The centre back tore his left hamstring back on December 7 against Celta Vigo, a blow that left Madrid’s defence looking thinner than anyone at the Bernabeu would have liked.
But the wait is finally over. Militao has been medically cleared and is expected to be named in the squad for Saturday’s La Liga trip to Mallorca.
“Whenever I’m on the field, I give it my all,” he said in an appearance on Real Talks, via Mundo Deportivo. “I’m really looking forward to playing again.”
You can say that again. Four months is a lifetime for a competitor like Militao, who has consistently been one of Madrid’s most reliable defenders when fit.
The weight of the shirt
Militao is not the type to shy away from responsibility. Speaking about what it means to represent Real Madrid, he made it clear that the standards never drop even when you are watching from the treatment table.
“We know the weight of the Real Madrid jersey and we know it’s an honour to play here,” he said.
“If things don’t go 100%, I work to make sure I don’t make the same mistake in the next game.”
That attitude has defined his recovery. While sidelined, Militao has been obsessive about improving every aspect of his game, one on ones, recovery runs, set pieces, defending and attacking.
“You have to take care of yourself off the field; you have to always be at your best, even if you’re not playing or coming off an injury,” he added.
It is the kind of mentality that has kept him at the top level despite a career that has been interrupted by more than its fair share of fitness issues.
Mallorca warning
Do not expect Militao to treat Saturday’s game as a gentle reintroduction. The Brazilian is not wired that way.
Mallorca may be fighting to avoid relegation, but Militao has seen enough of them to know they will not roll over.
“They press hard, they always play until the very end, we have to stay alert at all times,” he warned.
It is a timely return for Álvaro Arbeloa, whose defensive options have been stretched thin during the run in. Madrid are still chasing silverware on multiple fronts, and having a fit Militao available changes the complexion of the backline.
Whether he starts against Mallorca or is eased back from the bench remains to be seen. But one thing is certain, the Brazilian is ready. And he has been waiting for this moment for four long months.
