Real Madrid's Varane Edges Closer to Return as Forward Continues Recovery
Eder Militao is moving closer to his return for Real Madrid, having started running on the training pitches and working with the ball at Valdebebas.
The Brazilian centre-back is expected to be the first of the two key players to return, targeting a comeback after the next international break. His progress has been encouraging in recent weeks, with Militao now able to complete light running work and reintroduce ball exercises into his programme.
Meanwhile, Rodrygo has reached the halfway point in his own rehabilitation process, which is expected to last at least 10 months. The forward suffered a serious knee injury on March 3, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament and lateral meniscus in his right knee. He underwent surgery and has since been focused on a demanding rehabilitation programme at Valdebebas.
Rodrygo's daily routine includes hydrotherapy, running on anti-gravity machines, plyometric work, and weight training. The programme is centred on strengthening his injured knee while managing the impact placed on it. Despite the long and repetitive process, Rodrygo's progress has made the difficult days easier to handle, with sources at Valdebebas saying that "now that the action is back after the holidays, they seem more upbeat."
Militao's recovery is at a more advanced stage than Rodrygo's, with the centre-back now able to see a return to action on the horizon. He has begun light running sessions on the Valdebebas training grounds and has also started basic work with the ball. For a player who has spent months away from normal football activity, those steps represent an important part of the final stretch.
Real Madrid's injury list remains a concern at the start of the season, but there is growing optimism at Valdebebas over the progress of the two Brazilian players. The club is pleased with how both players' recovery processes have progressed so far, with a possible target for Rodrygo's return set for January 2027.
The progress of Militao and Rodrygo will be closely monitored by Real Madrid fans and the football community as a whole. Their returns will be a significant boost to the team, which has struggled with injuries at the start of the season. The exact date of their return remains uncertain, but it is clear that the club is optimistic about the prospects of both players making a full recovery.
Source: Yahoo Sports
