Real Madrid defender takes major step towards comeback; set for return after international break

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.  Militao recently carried out specific exercises. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) 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 is likely to return after the international break. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) 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.