Real Madrid defender Éder Militão has been ruled out of this summer's Copa América and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery. The club confirmed the news via an official medical statement, revealing the Brazilian international has successfully undergone an operation for a ruptured proximal tendon in his left thigh.
According to Brazilian media outlet Globo, the 26-year-old is not expected to return to the pitch until October at the earliest. This latest setback means Militão will miss the upcoming Copa América in the United States, a significant blow for the Seleção as they aim to reclaim the trophy. The center-back has earned 38 caps for his country and was expected to be a key figure in their campaign.
This injury continues a devastating run of fitness problems for Militão. Since suffering his first anterior cruciate ligament rupture on August 13, 2023, the defender has been absent for a total of 616 days, missing 133 matches for both Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team, according to the source material. He has endured two ACL injuries in the last three years alone, casting a shadow over what had been a rapid ascent to becoming one of the world's most highly regarded defenders.
The timing is particularly cruel for Real Madrid, who are currently competing in the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League and are locked in a tight title race in La Liga. Militão's absence further depletes Carlo Ancelotti's defensive options, with David Alaba also out long-term with his own ACL injury. The manager will now have to rely on the partnership of Antonio Rüdiger and Nacho Fernández, with Aurelien Tchouameni occasionally deputizing in central defense.
For Brazil, coach Dorival Júnior must now find a replacement in the heart of defense ahead of the tournament. Potential candidates include Gleison Bremer of Juventus, Barcelona's Andreas Christensen, or the more experienced Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain. Militão's injury-prone recent history will also raise concerns at the Santiago Bernabéu about his long-term durability, despite having a contract with the club until 2028. His latest operation marks the beginning of another arduous rehabilitation process, with the hope he can return to his pre-injury level in the autumn.
