Hope is gone. Éder Militão was confirmed as out of Copa of Mundo 2026 after undergoing expert evaluation at Finlândia this Tuesday. The Real Madrid defender will undergo surgery today to correct a serious injury to his left thigh, with his return scheduled for October.
Militão suffered the muscle injury a week ago during Real Madrid’s victory over Alavés, valid for La Liga. The discomfort appeared after a submission and initially did not seem worrying. Substituído at the end of the first half, the impression was of quick recovery. The days passed, however, and the diagnosis gradually worsened.
Consulta on Finlândia closes diagnosis
The recurrence in the same place as the injury that immobilized the defender for four months between December and March was already worrying Real Madrid. Mesmo thus, Militão kept hope. Após new resonance in Madrid on Monday, the player requested an evaluation from a renowned specialist in this type of injury. On Monday night, he embarked for Turku, on Finlândia, in search of a definitive diagnosis.
Chegou this morning. The opinion was blunt: the injury is serious and poses a risk of complete rupture of the tendon, which could compromise the rest of his career. Militão complied with the recommendation and will be operated throughout the day.
Nono physical problem in less than two years
The 28-year-old defender is going through a cycle marked by physical problems. Esta is the ninth injury and third surgery since Mundial of Catar, in 2022. Militão had more than 600 days inactive during this period, affecting both his performance in Real Madrid and his chances of competing for the national team.
Brasil loses an important piece of defense on the eve of Mundo’s Copa. Militão was considered the undisputed starter and one of the pillars of the defense that would try to win the third championship.
- Nona injury from Catar
- Terceira period surgery
- Mais 600 days inactive
- Retorno scheduled for October
- Idade: 28 years old
Foco now in 2030
With surgery scheduled, Militão sets its sights on 2030. Mundo’s next Copa will be hosted by Espanha, Portugal and Marrocos. Aos 28 years old, the defender has already won the trust of successive coaches and remains one of the main options for the national team in the long term. The recovery will be long, but the player will have time until the next World Cup.
The absence of Militão forces changes in the team’s defensive scheme. Outros defenders compete for space. The right-back is also more vulnerable without the versatility of the Real Madrid defender, who can play as a defender or full-back when necessary.