Looking back at Real Madrid’s previous encounter with Athletic Club takes us to the inaugural matchday of La Liga.
Real Madrid embarked on a new season amidst the disappointing news of Thibaut Courtois’ ACL injury.
The team started off strongly, securing a 2-0 lead within the first half-hour courtesy of goals from Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham. However, the game took a grim turn shortly after.
Five minutes into the second half, Eder Militao suffered a harrowing injury, evident from the anguish on his face and the reactions of his teammates.
It was later confirmed that Militao had sustained an Anterior Cruciate Ligament tear, mirroring Courtois’ injury and potentially sidelining him for the entire season.
As Real Madrid prepares to face Athletic Club once again in the reverse league fixture this weekend, Militao finds himself back in the squad for the first time since his injury, a poignant moment considering the opponent.
Despite enduring a challenging eight months, Militao has diligently met his recovery milestones and returns ahead of schedule.
Now, the responsibility falls on Carlo Ancelotti to manage Militao’s return effectively. Post-recovery management is crucial, requiring a careful approach to reintegrate the player into the team dynamics.
With Militao’s return, there is palpable excitement surrounding Real Madrid’s upcoming clash against Manchester City. As the team’s standout defender, Militao is expected to feature alongside Antonio Rudiger in the starting lineup.
Ancelotti expressed uncertainty regarding Militao’s participation against Manchester City, acknowledging the importance of the defender while hinting at the possibility of his involvement.
However, it is prudent for all parties involved to exercise caution and limit Militao’s playing time to minimize the risk. After an eight-month absence from competitive action, Militao needs time to regain match fitness and confidence.
A brief cameo appearance, even for just a few minutes, would provide Militao with the necessary boost of adrenaline while ensuring a gradual return to full match readiness.
Ancelotti’s approach should prioritize the player’s long-term well-being and avoid rushing his reintroduction to competitive football.
