Real Madrid defender Eder Militao ruled out for four months with hamstring injury

Real Madrid fear that Eder Militao will be out for around four months after suffering a serious hamstring injury during Sunday’s surprise home defeat to Celta Vigo.

The centre-back limped off in the first half at the Santiago Bernabeu and had to be assisted by medical staff before heading straight down the tunnel.

Medical tests carried out earlier today confirmed a rupture of the biceps femoris tendon in his left leg, affecting the proximal section of his hamstring.

Militao will be unavailable until early April, which would rule him out of a significant stretch of the season. Madrid are already stretched in defence.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out for around two months with a thigh problem, and several other defenders are struggling for fitness.

Militao has been one of Madrid’s most reliable performers this season, returning strongly after a difficult two-year period marred by successive anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

He had featured 15 times this season and had recently regained rhythm after missing matches during the last international window.

His latest setback came during a sprint to prevent a Celta attack, rather than through a collision or reckless challenge.

Madrid lost 2-1 and ended with nine players on the pitch, a result that frustrated manager Xabi Alonso and left the squad visibly deflated.

The practical consequences of Militao’s absence are substantial and could affect Madrid’s plans in several competitions.

Madrid face Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday and are unlikely to have an experienced defensive partner for Antonio Rudiger.

Alonso’s limited options include academy graduate Raul Asencio and the possibility of moving a full-back into the centre of defence.

Those solutions would reduce Madrid’s tactical flexibility and place heavy responsibility on senior players still returning to fitness.

Militao has overcome two major knee injuries in the past two seasons, spending more than a year on the sidelines.

Madrid will monitor his progress closely, but there is recognition that his absence leaves a significant gap in performance and leadership.

The club now face an intense run of fixtures without a defender they regard as central to their structure and mentality.