Real Madrid’s preparations for their crucial Champions League meeting with Manchester City have taken another major hit, with the club confirming yet another injury concern just days before the high-stakes showdown. The defending European champions, already battling an extensive list of absences, saw their problems escalate during Sunday’s 2–0 loss to Celta Vigo when Eder Militao was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury.
Eder Militao suffers worrying setback
The incident unfolded early in the match after Militao stretched to halt Pablo Durán on a Celta counterattack. The Brazilian immediately clutched the back of his left thigh and went to ground, signalling a clear problem before Real Madrid’s medical staff stepped in. Unable to leave the pitch unassisted, he was replaced by Antonio Rudiger in the 24th minute as the Bernabeu fell into an uneasy silence.
According to AS, the 27-year-old is set to undergo scans within the next 48 hours to assess the extent of the damage. However, initial indications within the club reportedly point to a sense of “pessimism.” If the injury proves as severe as feared, Eder Militao could miss up to three months—an outcome that would rule him out of Wednesday’s clash against Manchester City.
Real Madrid’s defensive crisis mounts
Should Militao be sidelined long-term, he will join an already packed treatment room that includes Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, David Alaba and Ferland Mendy. The timing of the setback could hardly be worse, with Real Madrid needing stability in defense as they prepare for one of the toughest attacking forces in Europe.
Manager Xabi Alonso remains hopeful that Huijsen may recover in time to feature, but contingency plans are already in motion. If the young defender remains unavailable, Alonso may be forced to rely on another patched-up defensive unit. That scenario would likely see Federico Valverde slot in at right back, with Raul Asencio partnering Rudiger in central defense.
Crucial test looms amid mounting pressure
With their squad stretched thin, Real Madrid now head into their Champions League clash under renewed pressure. The loss to Celta Vigo, compounded by Eder Militao’s injury, intensifies the challenge awaiting them midweek. As the club awaits definitive medical results, the outlook remains uncertain—but the timing could not be more critical.