Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender might not return in time for El Clasico as club will take no risks
Real Madrid defensive ace Eder Militao appears to have put his injury nightmare behind him.
The Brazilian centre-back has recovered from the torn left hamstring he suffered from last season and has now spent almost a week training normally alongside his teammates during the ongoing international break.
The signs so far are positive, but the club are fully aware of the priority at this stage: not making the mistake of rushing him back and risking a relapse.
As such, according to a report from Bernabeu Digital, doubts remain over whether Militao will be ready in time for Real Madrid’s La Liga clash against FC Barcelona later this month.
A cautious return
Injuries have become a recurring problem for Militao over the past three years, and the aim is to prevent that cycle from continuing.
After all, he has spent more than 700 days out of action for the Spanish capital club in the past three seasons, giving raise to concerns over his physical condition.
Jose Mourinho has been particularly cautious with players returning from injury, and the Brazilian’s situation requires even greater care for these reasons.
Everyone at the club is encouraging him to take his time, meaning his return to competitive football will have to wait.
Militao has identified the Clasico as one of his main targets. His return to full training represents an important step, but there is still work to do before he can consider making his competitive comeback.
Defensive problems against Villarreal
However, Militao’s absence is not the only issue affecting the Real Madrid defence, as the team will return from the international break with serious problems.
Alongside the Brazilian, Los Blancos will be without Raul Asencio, who has undergone surgery and will not return until 2027.
Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate is still recovering from the sprain he sustained while away with the France national team, while Dean Huijsen must serve a one-match suspension following his red card in the derby.
As such, for Real Madrid’s first match after the international window, the only fully available centre-back is Antonio Rudiger.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
