Eder Militao ruled out of Atletico derby despite Real Madrid training return

Eder Militao has returned to ball work after almost five months out with a serious injury, but Real Madrid are taking no risks and the Brazil defender will not feature in Sunday’s Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid.

Militao took part in an individual rehabilitation session at Real Madrid’s training centre in Valdebebas on Thursday, marking a significant step in his recovery from an injury to the tendons in his left hamstring.

The 28-year-old had spent recent weeks running and completing individual fitness work on the grass. The club confirmed he has now begun working with the ball as part of a carefully managed rehabilitation programme.

Militao trained separately alongside Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo, while the rest of the squad continued preparations for the derby at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Although ball work represents an important stage in his recovery, the defender still needs to complete further conditioning and take part in contact-based exercises before he can be cleared to return to full team training.

Real Madrid’s official account also posted an image of Militao during the session on 17 September 2026.

The progress will be welcomed by Jose Mourinho, who has had to manage the opening period of a congested campaign in La Liga and the Champions League without one of his most important defensive players. A series of fitness problems has affected the back line, increasing the importance of Militao’s eventual return.

However, Spanish newspaper Sport reports that Militao is certain to miss Sunday’s derby. Real Madrid are following an extremely cautious approach to his recovery and do not want to rush him back before he is fully ready.

The club’s priority is expected to be preparing the Brazilian for a return after the next international break. That timetable would give him more time to regain full fitness and match sharpness before facing the demands of the upcoming run of fixtures.

His return would also provide Mourinho with an additional defensive option after the manager has been without Militao for much of the season.