Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao have missed much of the season due to serious knee injuries. And their return, as we reported in Grada3 several weeks ago, seems to be much closer than expected, as both players have been shortening their recovery times after completing each phase in record time, and could be back this season for the Club World Cup.
Carvajal has impressed with his recovery
The Real Madrid full-back was injured on October 5 against Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabéu in an unfortunate play with Yeremi Pino in the final moments of the match. The Leganés player’s injury was particularly serious, as he suffered a triple tear, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament, lateral collateral ligament, and popliteal tendon.
Initially, Carvajal was ruled out for the rest of the season and was expected to return for the following campaign. However, just over eight months after the injury, the full-back will be ready to return to the pitch on June 18 in the Club World Cup. Every precaution will be taken with the player, who will be given limited playing time and will not be rushed back. The idea is for him to build up matches so that he is in top form at the start of next season.
Dani Carvajal took his serious injury as just another challenge in his career. Just a few months after completing his best season in white, which saw him finish in the top five for the Ballon d’Or – including a goal in the Champions League final – the Madrid full-back set to work very hard to shorten his recovery time. The medical staff at Valdebebas couldn’t believe Dani’s work ethic and how he was shortening his recovery time.
Militao’s morale remains intact
The case of Militao is more delicate. The player was injured on November 9, 2024 after tearingthe cruciate ligament in his right knee. This happened just when he seemed to be regaining his best form after suffering the same injury to his left knee in August 2023. Well aware of the recovery process, the Brazilian has also worked tirelessly during his seven months out to be fit for the Club World Cup, and it looks like he is ready to return to the pitch and help the team.
But it will be a similar case to Carvajal. The idea is for him to build up minutes so that he can start next season in the best possible condition and return to being the center back who dazzled everyone, especially with his speed.
Guarantee in defense
Real Madrid hopes that both players will be able to return to their best form, or at least close to it. The absences in Madrid’s defense have been a headache throughout the season, but it is hoped that with the arrival of Dean Huijsen, Alexander-Arnold, and a few more signings, the problems that have arisen over the last two years will come to an end.
With the return of both players, Real Madrid regains one of its captains and one of the most authoritative center backs on the football scene, which is good news for a squad that needs players who can speak up and step up in difficult moments, something that has not happened this season, where Real Madrid has dropped title after title, conceding a high number of goals in important matches.