Real Madrid lose another defender: two thirds of the defence are in the sick bay

It’s the headline of the morning in Valdebebas—and one of the biggest stories of the season. Eder Militão will be sidelined for four months after suffering a serious injury to his left hamstring, with damage to the proximal tendon. The club estimates his recovery at four months (best case, three and a half). In short: Militão is out until April 2026.

That means he could miss up to 30 matches, including the entire Copa del Rey (except a possible final), the Spanish Super Cup, the Bernabéu derby, and the Champions League through the quarterfinals. Half a season—if not more—without one of Madrid’s defensive anchors.

How it happened

The injury struck late in the first half last night against Celta. Pablo Durán broke free on a counterattack, Militão sprinted to stop him, and as the play reached the box… disaster. A sharp pain, a grimace, his hand clutching his left hamstring. Vinícius Jr. immediately signaled for a substitution. The MRI scheduled for Monday confirmed the worst.

Which games will Militao miss?

Third injury this season

This is Militão’s third trip to the infirmary this season. The first was minor—a heavy knock in the derby that kept him out of the trip to Almaty but not the next match against Villarreal. Then came November 18, in Brazil’s friendly against Tunisia: a tear in his right adductor, costing him two games (Elche and Athens). Now, this latest setback is far more severe.

60% of the defense, KO

The numbers are staggering. Real Madrid currently has six injured players—all of them, defenders:

That’s 60% of the back line unavailable.

Radiography

Who’s left standing?

Only four defenders remain fit: Antonio Rüdiger, Asencio, Carreras, and Fran García. Two center backs and two left-backs. The situation forces Madrid to lean heavily on its academy. Joan Martínez will stay with the first team, and more youth players are expected to be called up. Federico Valverde may have to fill in at right-back, Tchouameni could see minutes at center back, and Eduardo Camavinga might return to left-back—especially for the upcoming trip to Mendizorroza, where Carreras and Fran García are suspended.

Six defenders down. The latest blow: Militão. Out until April.