“Eder Militao will have to undergo surgery for his new injury in the hamstrings of his left leg,” journalist Miguel Angel Diaz of COPE reported. “The Brazilian reopened the scar from the initial injury that occurred in December against Celta. Unfortunately, he will miss the World Cup,” he added.

Eder Militao raised concerns in Real Madrid and in Brazil last Tuesday, in the match against Deportivo Alaves. The 28-year-old center back was substituted before halftime with visible signs of pain in the same area that, as Diaz reported, had already been injured some time ago.

The original injury of Eder Militao

To understand what happened with Eder Militao, we have to go back to early December 2025. On December 7, to be precise, Real Madrid faced Celta de Vigo on Matchday 15 of LALIGA. In that match, Militao felt discomfort and was substituted in the 25th minute of the first half.

Hours later, Real Madrid reported a “tear in the biceps femoris of the left leg with involvement of the proximal tendon,” a diagnosis that projected a recovery time of no less than four months. Militao took the necessary time before returning, but he suffered another injury in that same area and will no longer be able to avoid surgery.

Ancelotti keeps losing players

Eder Militao is the most recent absence in a concerning list and reality for Brazil. Rodrygo and Willian Estevao, two players who also had their spots secured among the 26, suffered injuries that will keep them out of the World Cup.

On May 11, Ancelotti will have to present a preliminary list of 55 players, where it is almost certain that we will not see the defender, while May 30 will be the day when the 26 names going to the World Cup are officially announced.

The penalty shootout became a hot topic of controversy, especially regarding why Militao, who is not known for taking penalties, was chosen to take the first shot for Brazil.

In an article published on the “Uol” portal, journalist Eder Traskini revealed that during the training session before the match, the Real Madrid defender missed both of his penalty attempts. Despite this, he was still selected to take the first penalty in the crucial shootout.

What did Eder Militao say about his penalty kick decision

After the match, Militao spoke in the mixed zone and explained his decision to take the first penalty. He stated that the decision was made spontaneously and that he felt confident enough to assume the responsibility. He also credited Uruguay’s goalkeeper, Sergio Rochet, for the save.

“We decided at the moment. I volunteered to take the first one because I was confident,” said Militao. “That’s how penalties are. We practiced them, but there’s a goalkeeper on the other side, and unfortunately, we missed. Rochet did well. I don’t have much to say or criticize. The credit goes to him.”

Militao also reflected on the team’s future: “Now we have to move on. It’s going to be a tough few days, but it’s time to think and rest. It wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but we need to focus on having a good season and continuing strong on the road to the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.”

“Following tests carried out on our player Eder Militao, he has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The player will undergo surgery in the coming days.”

Now, in a span of a few days, Carlo Ancelotti just lost Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao. His best goalkeeper and his best defender. It’s going to be a really tough road ahead for Real Madrid.

How long will Eder Militao be out with Real Madrid?

The left knee injury of Eder Militao could have a very similar rehabilitation process as the one suffered by Thibaut Courtois. That’s why, according to medical experts, six to eight months is the proper timeline.

As a consequence, though they might come back a little bit earlier, the truth is Real Madrid have to face the 2023-2024 season without two of the best players in the world.

In the case of Courtois, Kepa might be the goalkeeper to replace him. However, Militao’s situation is trickier as Real Madrid only have as center backs three possible players: Antonio Rudiger, Nacho and David Alaba. It would be really complicated to go a full season with such a limited rotation.