Éder Militão Returns to Action for Real Madrid After Eight-Month Injury Layoff

Real Madrid defender Éder Militão made his long-awaited return to the pitch on Wednesday (9), featuring in the second half of the Club World Cup semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. The match marked the Brazilian international’s first appearance in over eight months following a serious knee injury.

Militão entered the game with his team trailing 3-0, in what proved to be a difficult comeback scenario for the 27-year-old. Despite the scoreline, his return is seen as a major boost for Real Madrid’s defensive unit ahead of a decisive phase of the season.

Recurring Knee Injuries

Militão had been sidelined since November 2024, when he suffered a full rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, along with damage to both menisci, during a La Liga fixture against Osasuna. The injury required surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

This is the second serious knee injury of Militão’s career at Real Madrid. In 2023, the center-back was ruled out for eight months after tearing the ACL in his left knee in a separate incident.

Carvajal Also Returns

Veteran full-back Dani Carvajal also returned to action in the same match. The 33-year-old was substituted in shortly after Militão, marking his first appearance since October 2024, when he ruptured two knee ligaments and a tendon in a match against Villarreal.

Carvajal’s experience and leadership are expected to be vital assets for head coach Xabi Alonso as the team heads into the Club World Cup final and the remainder of the season.