Real Madrid receive boost as key defender resumes group training after lengthy layoff

Real Madrid receive boost as key defender resumes group training after lengthy layoff Real Madrid have received an encouraging update, with Eder Militao taking another major step towards his long-awaited return to competitive football. According to AS , the Brazilian defender participated in part of the team’s training session with his available teammates as Real Madrid began preparations for their next La Liga fixture against Villarreal . Militao’s involvement marks a significant moment in his recovery after more than five months on the sidelines.  The club, however, is expected to remain extremely cautious with his comeback, but his return to group work provides a clear indication that the final stage of his rehabilitation is approaching. Militao returns to group training at Valdebebas Militao has been working his way back from a serious injury suffered on April 21, when he ruptured the proximal tendon in his left leg. The lengthy rehabilitation process has kept him away from competitive action for more than five months, making his appearance alongside the available teammates quite encouraging for Real Madrid. Eder Militao trained with his Real Madrid teammates. (Picture credit: Real Madrid official website) Notably, the defender did not complete the entire session with the group. Rather, he took part in only a section of the workout as the club continues to manage his workload. With around two weeks still remaining before the Villarreal match, manager Jose Mourinho has plenty of time to assess Militao’s physical condition without taking unnecessary risks. The priority will be rebuilding his fitness step by step rather than accelerating his comeback. Real Madrid still have several players recovering Militao’s progress was the headline from the session, but he was not the only player working towards a return. Real Madrid confirmed that Ibrahima Konate, Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde trained indoors as they continued their respective recoveries. Eder Militao could return to competitive action in October. (Picture credit: Real Madrid official website) There was also positive movement involving Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo. Both long-term absentees are now working on the pitch at Valdebebas , suggesting that their rehabilitation programmes are also progressing. For Mourinho, having players return at different stages could gradually ease the pressure on a squad that has already had to manage several fitness concerns. Militao could return in October The current expectation is that Militao could make his competitive comeback at some point in October if his recovery continues without complications. At present, there is no need for Real Madrid to rush that process.  The defender has already spent months working back from a serious injury, and the next phase must be about restoring match fitness and confidence.