Real Madrid defender Éder Militão is “100%” certain that he will recover in time to participate in the 2026 World Cup.
The Brazilian international suffered a ruptured biceps femoris tendon in his left leg during Madrid’s 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo on December 7 and may be out of action until April 2026.
Militão, who was seen using crutches, arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday and told reporters: “No return date has been established. The main focus is on the FIFA World Cup.
“I’m focusing on doing everything properly to come back stronger. I’m 100% confident,” he stated.
When healthy, Militão, who competed in the 2022 World Cup, is a key player in Brazil’s lineup.
At 27, Militão has faced numerous serious injuries in recent seasons. He tore his left ACL in August 2023 and only returned to the field in March 2024. The previous season, he was out for eight months due to a torn right ACL and meniscus damage.
Carlo Ancelotti, who coached Militão at Madrid before becoming the head coach of the Brazil national team in May, recently cautioned players that only those who are “100 percent fit” will be included in Brazil’s World Cup squad.
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Militão is likely to miss Brazil’s international friendlies against France and Croatia during the March international window.
The five-time World Cup champions, Brazil, will kick off their campaign against Morocco on June 13 in New York, followed by a match against Haiti six days later in Philadelphia, and concluding with a Group C match against Scotland in Miami.