Real Madrid 'could have Eder Militao back in February'

Eder Militao is reportedly ahead of schedule when it comes to his recovery from a serious knee injury, with the centre-back potentially making his return for Real Madrid as soon as February.

The Brazil international picked up an ACL injury during Real Madrid's 2023-24 La Liga opener against Athletic Bilbao, and he underwent surgery to repair the damage in the middle of August.

Due to the nature of the damage, there were suggestions that Militao's season was over, with the 25-year-old unlikely to be available for selection until the start of the 2024-25 campaign.

However, according to Relevo, Militao's strength and flexibility has placed him in an excellent position to make a return to the field much earlier than planned.

The report claims that a best-case scenario would see the South American be available for selection in February, although it is more likely that he will make his return in March, providing that his recovery continues to go as planned.

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Militao should therefore be available for the latter stages of the Champions League, should Real Madrid progress through their group.

The defender would also be back for the final straight in La Liga, with Los Blancos looking to wrestle the title back from Barcelona this season.

Real Madrid currently have problems in the middle of their defence, as David Alaba is out with a groin problem, while Nacho is serving a domestic suspension.

Aurelien Tchouameni featured as a centre-back against Osasuna on Saturday alongside Antonio Rudiger, and the Frenchman helped his side keep a clean sheet in what proved to be a 4-0 win.

Real Madrid will enter the international break at the top of the La Liga table, boasting 24 points from their opening nine matches of the campaign.

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"The game has been a game we've played well, we've controlled well," the capital outfit's head coach Carlo Ancelotti said following the contest with Osasuna.

"What made the difference was the first goal which allowed us to play with more control, without pressing too high in the other half. In the second half, with more space, we finished the game off.

"Real Madrid are playing good football, yes. Since when? Real Madrid always play good football. It depends how you understand 'play good football'. I've seen many teams play good football. Today we played very well with and without the ball. Tchouameni had an excellent game as a central defender for the first time.

"We were very compact and defended well. We've improved a lot since the defeat against Atletico [Madrid] and we've improved a lot in the defensive aspect, which makes criticism welcome. Thanks to you for the criticism after the Atletico game."

Real Madrid also have goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on the sidelines following an ACL operation, but the Belgian is believed to be facing a battle to return before the end of the season.