Real Madrid are on the brink of re‑integrating one of their most reliable centre‑backs as José Mourinho weighs a call‑up for Éder Militao ahead of Saturday’s La Liga clash with Sevilla. The Brazilian defender has been absent from competitive action since April, when a severe hamstring injury forced him onto the operating table and sidelined him for 181 days. During the recent international break he resumed full‑intensity group training, a step Mourinho described as “a huge step forward” in the defender’s rehabilitation.

Mourinho’s cautious approach has already been evident. He omitted Militao from the squads that faced Villarreal and AS Roma, preferring to monitor the defender’s progress before risking a premature return. Yet the weekend fixture against Sevilla offers a logical platform for a measured re‑introduction, especially as the Blancos contend with a spate of injuries. Rodrygo Goes and Raúl Asencio remain sidelined, while Ferland Mendy has rejoined training and edges closer to full fitness. In this context, Militao’s potential inclusion could restore balance to a back line that has been forced to adapt repeatedly.

The anticipated 4‑2‑3‑1 formation that Mourinho is expected to deploy places a premium on defensive solidity and fluid transition. Alongside the usual stalwarts – Thibaut Courtois, Ibrahima Konaté, Antonio Rüdiger and Aurélien Tchouaméni – Militao would add a blend of physicality and ball‑playing ability that has been missing since his injury. The midfield trio of Fede Valverde, Yan Diomande and Jude Bellingham is set to operate just ahead of the defence, while the attacking quartet of Kyl