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 News
Real Madrid loanee Mastantuono admits World Cup absence hurt, feeling ‘very good’ in Italy
Real Madrid loanee Franco Mastantuono is starting to showcase his true potential at Fiorentina following a slow start.
Back in the Argentina national team in the current squad, the teenage attacker impressed in their 4-0 win over Bolivia.
Following the game, the youngster took the opportunity to speak openly about one of the most difficult moments of last season: being left out of Lionel Scaloni’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
World Cup disappointment
Far from hiding his disappointment, Mastantuono admitted how much it hurt when he learned that he would not be among the 26 players selected for the tournament.
“It is tough to miss out on the World Cup squad, but I have always supported my team-mates and Argentina so that they could do well. They had an incredible World Cup and made all of us Argentines proud,” the forward admitted, as quoted by MARCA.
However, the Real Madrid loanee is now looking ahead. With a new chapter beginning with the Argentina national team, he believes he arrives in a much improved state and better prepared to establish himself in the squad.
“A new process is beginning. I feel good and I can have an opportunity, but above all I want to work for the national team,” said the teenager.
Discussing his loan move to Italy from Real Madrid, he added: “I feel very good since I went to Italy and changed my life a little.”
The Scaloni effect
One of the factors that has contributed most to his recent development has been the confidence shown by Lionel Scaloni.
The Real Madrid starlet publicly thanked the Argentina manager for giving him freedom on the pitch and linked his good form to the change of scenery that came with his move to Italian football.
“He gives me a lot of freedom to play and I am grateful to him for that. I have felt very good since I went to Italy and changed my life a little. I really enjoyed it,” he explained.
So far in his spell in Italy, Mastantuono has played five Serie A matches, scoring three goals in the process.
