Real Madrid have lost another player to injury this week, and once again the international break has come back to bite them. Eder Militao has been ruled out of training camp with a minor muscle injury, but Los Blancos believe it is Brazil’s fault.
Eder Militao injured in training
According to Marca, Real Madrid are angry that, in their view, the club has once again sent out a ‘perfect’ player only to have him return injured. Real Madrid have been speaking to FIFA and UEFA about their frustration for some time, and although this happens to other clubs, they believe they are particularly affected. The Brazilian Football Confederation believes that this is a minor issue and Militao will be back within two weeks.
Of course, the international break seems to bring more injuries, with all the travel and time changes not doing any favours to footballers’ fitness. Similarly, Brazil can point to Militao tearing his anterior cruciate ligament while on Real Madrid’s care, and Aurelien Tchouameni and Ferland Mendy missing international duty with France due to injuries sustained while on Real Madrid duty. Of the eight players the Madrid daily says Los Blancos have injured, only Militao was injured on international duty.
The Athletic updates Madrid injury status
While Real Madrid complained to UEFA and groaned about losing 8 key players due to injury, The Athletic accidentally spread good news within Madrid when Jude Bellingham was ready to return to play.
The 21-year-old suffered a foot injury in just the second game of the season against RCD Mallorca and was ruled out for a month, but Mario Cortegana says Bellingham could be back a little sooner than expected. Carlo Ancelotti will call him up for the trip to Real Arena next Saturday night and he could even start from the bench.
Ferland Mendy is also expected to return and Cortegana says Aurelien Tchouameni could return too, although that remains controversial. While Jesus Vallejo could be fit, youngster Jacobo Ramon would be the best option in place of Eder Militao. French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is still weeks away from a return and is in Dubai, but the hope is that he will be back before the end of September.
The date is important because their last game before October is the Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid. Indeed, Real Madrid have struggled to link up their midfield and attack at times, so Bellingham’s return is vital for Los Blancos.