Real Madrid handed major boost with star in line to return from ACL injury - report

Real Madrid could welcome Eder Militao back from an ACL injury in time for a prospective Champions League quarter-final tie, according to a report.

Militao tore his ACL midway through a 2-0 win at Athletic Club on the opening day of the 2023/24 season all the way back in August. This injury came just days after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois ruptured his ACL in training, while Militao's centre-back partner David Alaba sustained a similar problem later in the campaign.

However, Madrid are in line to bring Militao back into the fold for the final part of the campaign, with Relevo reporting the Brazil international will soon return to full team training. He has been able to resume work in the gym as well as individual training on grass at the club's Valdebebas base in recent weeks.

If all goes to plan and Militao suffers no further setbacks, he could feature in the Champions League quarter-finals in early April should Madrid progress to the next round.

Los Blancos beat RB Leipzig 1-0 in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Tuesday, with Brahim Diaz scoring the only goal at the Red Bull Arena. The second leg will take place on March 6.

Beyond the ACL ruptures alone, Madrid have had to withstand a barrage of other major injuries this season, with several key players missing extended periods of the campaign. They are currently without star summer signing Jude Bellingham due to an ankle issue, with the second leg against Leipzig pencilled in as a potential return date.

Antonio Rudiger is also expected to be fit for the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu after sustaining a thigh injury in a win at Getafe earlier in February.

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