Real Madrid’s coaching staff are convinced Éder Militão can return to a starting role if he completes his rehabilitation without further setbacks, with manager José Mourinho and assistant Sami Khedira both expressing confidence in the defender’s recovery.
The Brazilian has resumed training at Valdebebas after being given a week away from the squad, around five months after undergoing surgery for a hamstring rupture suffered in April.
Mourinho’s return to the Santiago Bernabéu has added urgency to Militão’s rehabilitation. The Portuguese was appointed head coach on a three-year deal in June 2026, beginning work when pre-season started on 13 July, and has made defensive reinforcement a priority after a season in which injuries exposed the squad’s lack of depth at the back.
Khedira, who played under Mourinho during his first spell at Madrid from 2010 to 2013, has joined the coaching staff for his first coaching job and is working closely with the medical department on Militão’s progress.
The timing is critical. Real Madrid’s summer transfer window yielded few surprises, with the club prioritising defensive reinforcements over midfield solutions, but the absence of a true world-class midfield anchor—and a deep rotation—has left Mourinho with a tactical dilemma.
Militão, whose physicality and leadership have been instrumental in past campaigns, represents a vital piece in the puzzle.
His return would not only restore defensive solidity but also provide Mourinho with the flexibility to deploy his midfield trio with greater precision.
Mourinho’s appointment was always going to be a test of patience. His first challenge was to rebuild the squad’s cohesion—a task made harder by the persistent injury problems that have dogged Real Madrid for years.
Early signs suggest the manager is making progress, with a few players gradually regaining fitness, but the spectre of Militão’s prolonged absence looms large, particularly as the club navigates a season where consistency has been elusive.
The 28-year-old’s ability to return to his pre-injury form would be a game-changer, offering Mourinho the defensive stability he needs to push for Champions League success.
The stakes are high, but so is the opportunity. Militão’s return would not only address a glaring defensive shortfall but also signal a return to the dominance Real Madrid fans have come to expect.
With the squad’s midfield still under construction and the pressure mounting, Mourinho’s confidence in Militão’s recovery is a rare glimmer of optimism.
Whether it translates into on-field performance remains to be seen, but the manager’s belief in his player’s readiness is a statement in itself—one that could shape the trajectory of a season already defined by uncertainty.
