Éder Militão has finally completed his recovery from his ACL injury and is now available for selection, as confirmed by Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. This is a significant development for the team, especially considering Militão’s importance in the defense line. The 26-year-old Brazilian international suffered an ACL tear against Athletic Club in LaLiga earlier this season, but he has worked hard to make a successful comeback.
Importance for the Team
Ancelotti expressed his optimism about Militão’s return, stating that the defender has a “30%” chance of facing Manchester City in the upcoming Champions League quarterfinal first leg. The absence of key players like Thibaut Courtois and David Alaba due to ACL injuries has put a strain on Real Madrid’s defensive setup. Militão’s return provides a much-needed boost to the team ahead of crucial fixtures.
While Militão is back in the squad, Ancelotti emphasized the need to manage his playing time carefully. The coach mentioned that Militão may get some minutes in the upcoming league game against Athletic Club before the Champions League clash. It is essential to gradually reintegrate Militão into the team and ensure that he is fully match-fit before taking on high-stakes matches.
The absence of Militão in recent games has forced Ancelotti to experiment with different defensive combinations. Players like Antonio Rüdiger, Nacho Fernández, and Aurélien Tchouaméni have stepped up to fill the void left by injured defenders. Despite the challenges, Real Madrid has maintained a solid defensive record in LaLiga, showcasing the team’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Real Madrid’s upcoming clash against Manchester City in the Champions League quarterfinals poses a tough challenge for the team. Ancelotti hinted at the possibility of deploying Militão alongside Rüdiger in the defense, highlighting the Brazilian’s importance in aerial duels and defensive stability. However, the coach also acknowledged the need to carefully manage Militão’s playing time and fitness leading up to the crucial fixtures.
On a separate note, Vinícius Júnior will miss the game against Athletic Club due to suspension. The young forward featured for Brazil in a recent friendly match against Spain, where he opened up about the racist abuse he has faced from opposition fans. Ancelotti expressed his concern about Vinícius’s absence from the upcoming game, emphasizing the player’s importance to the team’s attacking prowess.
Éder Militão’s return from injury is a significant positive for Real Madrid as they navigate through a challenging phase of the season. Ancelotti’s careful management of the defender’s workload and fitness will be crucial in ensuring that Militão can make a seamless transition back into the team. With important fixtures on the horizon, including the Champions League showdown against Manchester City, Militão’s presence in the squad provides a much-needed boost for Real Madrid’s title aspirations.