Real Madrid News
Big boost: Injured Real Madrid star enters final stage of recovery; starts training with the ball
Eder Militao has taken another step towards returning to the Real Madrid squad after finally getting back to work with the ball.
As reported by Diego Mengual, the Brazilian centre-back took part in ball work at Real Madrid City on Thursday as his rehabilitation from a serious injury moved into its final phase.
As such, he remains some way from competitive action, but the latest development gives Jose Mourinho and his staff some idea of when they could have him back.
Notably, Militao has not played since suffering a tear to the proximal biceps femoris tendon in his left leg against Alaves in April.
Militao moves closer after months on the sidelines
The Brazilian’s recovery has taken several months, with the focus now shifting towards football-specific work rather than just rebuilding his fitness.
#17Sep | El Real Madrid ya ha terminado de entrenarse en Valdebebas.
— Diego Mengual (@MengualEnLinea) September 17, 2026
⚽️Los de Mourinho han completado su primera sesión preparatoria para el derbi contra el Atlético de Madrid.
⚠️La buena noticia sigue siendo Militao, quien está en la recta final de su recuperación. pic.twitter.com/Xj2BEPT8z1
Real Madrid’s latest training session also included recovery work for the players who started the 2-1 win over Elche.
The rest of the squad worked through pressing, possession and ball-circulation exercises before moving into tactical drills and small-sided games.
Meanwhile, Militao, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo followed individual recovery programmes.
For Militao, though, the key detail was the ball at his feet, as it marks another stage in a rehabilitation process that has kept one of Mourinho’s centre-back options unavailable since the end of last season.
Real Madrid have a target for Militao’s return
For now, Real Madrid’s immediate priority is the derby against Atletico Madrid.
Mourinho’s side travel to the Metropolitano to face Atletico on Matchday 7, but Militao will not be ready for that fixture. His recovery is instead being timed around the upcoming international break.
As reported before, Real Madrid currently expect the Brazilian to return after the break if he continues progressing without setbacks.
The international window runs from the end of September into the first week of October, putting a potential comeback around mid-October.
That would give Mourinho another option in central defence at a useful point in the season. More importantly, Militao’s return would come after a long rehabilitation.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona best placed to sign Man United gem as total cost could exceed €10-15 million
Things seem to be heating up with regard to the future of wantaway Manchester United prodigy JJ Gabriel.
Real Madrid are one of the clubs pursuing the teenage wonderkid, who has made it clear that he does not wish to continue with the Premier League club.
Apart from Los Blancos, other top European clubs like FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain also remain keen on the English starlet.
Real Madrid, Barcelona best placed
In a major development, Sky Germany now reports that Real Madrid and Barcelona have emerged as the clubs best positioned to sign Gabriel.
The teenage attacking midfielder is understood to be giving preference to a move to Spain despite Bayern Munich intensifying their pursuit.
Real Madrid are understood to be in active negotiations with Gabriel and his camp, while his representatives continue to talk with multiple other clubs before a final decision is made.
But his preference to move to Spain gives Los Blancos an advantage, along with Barcelona.
However, there could be some issues in the deal going through smoothly because of the financial aspects of the operation.
€10-15 million total package
According to the German outlet, the total package to sign Gabriel, including transfer fees, wages, and bonus payments, among others, could end up costing in excess of €10-15 million.
Previous reports suggested that Manchester United would seek a training compensation of €300,000, while the player’s camp was said to be seeking a seven-figure salary.
But, if the aforementioned report is to be believed, the total cost of the operation seems to be coming out much higher at around €10-15 million.
Such a figure for a player who has just turned 16 a week ago could be seen as excessive despite the potential and talent he possesses.
It will be interesting to see how things evolve in this transfer saga as Gabriel remains determined to leave Manchester United and is angling a move to Spain, putting Real Madrid and Barcelona in the driving seat.
