Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s new defensive signing excited after recent transfer: ‘Still can’t believe it’
Ibrahima Konate is one of Real Madrid’s many new signings this summer but still remains the only big arrival they have secured in central defence.
Given David Alaba’s departure from the club, Los Blancos had a vacancy in the squad in that department and he has arrived as a free agent to fill that same void.
Jose Mourinho rates the player highly, but it remains to be seen if the manager sees the player as a regular starter in his dynamics once he officially joins training and links up with the group next month.
Konate’s thoughts on his move
The French national team defender and new Real Madrid defensive signing spoke to the media via L’Equipe ahead of his team’s game against Spain in the semifinal of the FIFA World Cup.
As part of the routine interrogation, he was also asked a couple of questions about his club-level future and transfer to Real Madrid. In response, he had nothing but excitement to show and said,
“Real Madrid is the greatest club in history. An exceptional club and it’s a dream.”
The defender then spoke on how it was still dreamy that he was a Real Madrid player and that it would only sink in once he really linked up with the team.
“But until I wear the shirt, I still can’t believe it.”
When will Konate join Jose Mourinho’s plans?
So far, Konate has not had a big part to play for France in the ongoing tournament and has been more of a bench presence than an on-field difference-maker.
The new Real Madrid star only played 14 minutes in the game against Norway and stayed on the bench for all other games. Needless to say, he is likely to continue in the reserved role for the rest of the event.
Yet, his participation in the competition and progression so deep into the event means that he will not join Jose Mourinho’s plans this month.
In the best-case scenario, he will only link up with his new club teammates in the first week of August when he returns from his vacation after the World Cup.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender takes major step towards comeback; set for return after international break
Real Madrid are finally beginning to see a clear path back for Eder Militao, with the defender now in the final phase of his rehabilitation and increasingly expected to return after the next international break.
Militao has been sidelined since suffering a tear to the proximal biceps femoris tendon in his left leg during the meeting with Alaves last April.
The injury required surgery, but his recovery has now reached a stage where his return can be discussed in more concrete terms.
Militao steps up rehabilitation at Valdebebas
While Real Madrid completed their preparations for Tuesday night’s trip to Elche, Militao was working separately from the main group at the Valdebebas Training Centre.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian defender carried out specific exercises with the club’s rehabilitation staff and physiotherapists on pitches 1 and 2.
The work represents another step in a recovery process that has kept him away from competitive action for several months.
Mind you, Militao will not be involved against Elche, but the latest signs are considerably more encouraging for what comes next.
Return now expected after international break
The timeline surrounding Militao’s comeback is finally becoming clearer. Provided his recovery continues at its current pace, Real Madrid expect the centre-back to be available to Mourinho once the international break is over.
That break is scheduled to take place from the end of September into the first week of October, meaning Militao could be back by mid-October at the latest.
For a defender who has endured another significant spell on the sidelines, simply having a defined target gives an important moment in his rehabilitation.
Real Madrid still missing players
Militao’s progress is particularly welcome because Real Madrid continue to deal with several absences in the squad.
On that note, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy remain on the injury list and are not expected to return as quickly as Militao.
Both these players are therefore ruled out of the Elche fixture, leaving Mourinho without several established options.
Beyond Elche, though, Militao’s return offers Real Madrid something far more valuable: another experienced defensive option for the demanding weeks ahead.
After surgery and months of rehabilitation, the Brazilian is now entering the final stretch, and if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could have their defender back in the squad around the middle of October.
