Real Madrid defender Eder Militao will miss this summer’s World Cup after undergoing surgery for a hamstring tear, the Spanish club confirmed on Tuesday.
The news delivers a significant blow to both Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team, with the tournament commencing on June 11, less than 50 days away.
“Our player Eder Militao underwent successful surgery today for a tear in the proximal biceps femoris tendon in his left leg,” Real Madrid stated.
“The operation was performed by Dr Lasse Lempainen under the supervision of Real Madrid’s medical staff. Militão will begin his rehabilitation in the coming days.”
The 28-year-old felt a twinge during a challenge in last week’s 2-1 win over Alaves, and immediately signalled to the bench for a replacement.
Initial hopes for a swift recovery were dashed by further tests, revealing a recurrence of a December injury.
This latest setback follows Militao suffering two serious knee injuries in recent years.
Militao has earned 38 caps for Brazil since making his international debut in 2018, and was likely to be in contention for a starting berth at the World Cup if he was available this summer.
However, manager Carlo Ancelotti has now been forced into a rethink following the news that Militao has been ruled out.
Militao’s club teammate, Rodrygo, is also set to miss out on being part of Brazil’s World Cup squad after he suffered a serious knee injury at the start of last month.
Brazil are aiming to win the World Cup for the sixth time, but it has been 24 years since they last got their hands on the biggest trophy in international football.
They have been placed in Group C, and will start their World Cup campaign against Morocco on 13 June.
Ancelotti’s men will then play Haiti on 20 June before concluding their group stage fixtures by facing Scotland on June 24.
