Real Madrid star 'ahead of schedule' with injury return

Brahim Diaz could return to action for Real Madrid ahead of schedule, despite initial estimates that a torn muscle could sideline the player for up to three months until December.

In only his second start of the season, Brahim felt pain in the back of his thigh during Madrid's 2-0 win over Real Sociedad in September and had to be withdrawn midway through the first half.

But reports originating from AS in Spain (via GetFootball News Spain) claim he is making quicker progress in his recovery process than originally anticipated. The 25-year-old was seen running on grass at Valdebebas over the weekend, always a major moment in any serious injury rehab.

No exact timeframe is known, other than it would be significantly sooner than previously expected.

At the time of suffering the tear, Brahim said: "I'm sad about the injury, but it's already one less day until I return. We have to face small obstacles that make us stronger. Until I recover, I'll be supporting and cheering on the team like any other fan in every match."

The Morocco international has fought his way back in at Real Madrid over the past 15 months. The club had spent €17m to sign him from Manchester City in 2019, considered big money for a teenager with precious little professional senior experience.

But a struggle to establish himself resulted in Brahim spending the 2020/21 season on loan with AC Milan. That deal was then extended for a further two years, although initial reports of an option to buy were later refuted by the time it came to the next step in 2023.

Had Milan been in control of a purported €22m option to buy they might well have triggered it for a player who made 126 appearances in three season and helped them back into the Champions League. In reality, Brahim returned to Madrid and signed a new four-year contract.

Even with Jude Bellingham a chief source of competition last season, Brahim still made major contributions to Madrid's La Liga and Champions League double triumph. He featured in 44 games across all competition, racking up an impressive 21 goals and assists.

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