Injured Real Madrid forward not expected to return to action until 2027

Injured Real Madrid forward not expected to return to action until 2027 Rodrygo is one of the few players currently sidelined at Real Madrid due to an injury he picked up back in March. The Brazilian international is yet to feature in a single game this season and was unfortunate enough to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well. Rodrygo has been recovering steadily, though, and currently continuing his progress in his native Brazil , while being under the supervision of Real Madrid. Rodrygo not expected to return until 2027 Rodrygo hasn’t played a single minute this season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) A recent report from ESPN (h/t Madrid Xtra ) has offered an update on the fitness of Rodrygo, claiming that he might not play during the remainder of the year. The report suggests Rodrygo might not return to the pitch until the start of 2027, meaning he will miss out entirely on the set of matches Real Madrid have left during the rest of 2026. This comes against the backdrop of an earlier report that claimed Rodrygo is eyeing a return to the pitch during Real Madrid’s first Copa Del Rey match on December 16. But as per ESPN, the Brazilian international will not play this year, as Real Madrid will be extra cautious with the forward and do not want to take any risks. This might be the right approach given that Rodrygo hasn’t played any football since March. Making sure he returns to full fitness, and therefore, is the priority. A big task ahead for Rodrygo Can Rodrygo regain his place in the Real Madrid starting eleven? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Rodrygo’s immediate focus will be to continue his rapid recovery and at least return to team training so that he can be under consideration for a medical discharge. However, even when Rodrygo does return to full fitness, perhaps even in 2027, the forward will have his work cut out, if he is to regain his place in the starting eleven. That is because Real Madrid seem to have found the right balance in the attack, with the likes of Yan Diomande, Arda Guler, and Jude Bellingham firing on all cylinders. This has left both the Brazilians – Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo – face an uncertain future, and their fate at Real Madrid will depend heavily on how they manage to perform during the second half of the season.