Eder Militao makes full Real Madrid return after 180-day injury absence

Eder Militao completed his return to competitive football by playing the full match as Real Madrid came from behind to beat AEK Athens 3-2 in the UEFA Champions League.

The Brazil defender was restored to Real Madrid’s starting line-up for the first time in 180 days after recovering from a serious injury, marking a significant step in his comeback under manager Jose Mourinho.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Militao had played only five minutes during the previous 180 days. Those minutes came against Sevilla, when Mourinho used him at right-back after the outcome of the match had already been decided.

That appearance was no more than a brief return to action. His involvement against AEK Athens was different, with Militao starting the match and remaining on the pitch for the entire game.

The injury occurred on 21 April during Real Madrid’s meeting with Alaves at Santiago Bernabeu. Militao felt severe pain as he attempted to strike the ball and fell to the ground shortly before half-time. He could not continue and was unable even to put weight on his leg.

Medical examinations revealed a tear to the proximal tendon of the biceps femoris muscle in his left leg. The injury required Militao to travel to Finland for surgery.

He was unavailable for official matches for six and a half months. Militao was named in Real Madrid’s squad for three consecutive games without coming on before being placed straight into the starting line-up against AEK Athens.

Speaking to Brazilian broadcaster TNT Sports after the match, Militao said the recovery period had been particularly important following a series of injuries. He also praised Mourinho for the way he had supported him at the start of the season.

“I’m happy to be back, to be able to play and help my team-mates,” Militao said. “It was a period in which I had to take great care of myself. Each time I returned and played, another injury appeared. The manager cares a lot about the players, so I think this was the right moment to come back. I prepared a great deal, the manager spoke to me constantly, and today I was able to play 90 minutes.”

He added: “He is an excellent manager and someone who is always with us in our daily lives. He also listens to us a lot and exchanges many ideas with us. He is an exceptional person.”

Militao has now made two appearances for Real Madrid under Mourinho this season.