Real Madrid’s Eder Militao misses World Cup after hamstring surgery
Real Madrid defender Eder Militao will miss this summer’s World Cup for Brazil after undergoing surgery on a torn hamstring.
The Spanish club confirmed the successful operation took place on Tuesday.
It serves as a significant blow to the national team with the tournament commencing in less than 50 days.
Surgery confirms injury fears
“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 initially sustained the issue during last week’s 2-1 victory over Alaves.
He immediately signalled to the bench for a substitution after feeling a twinge during a challenge.
Ancelotti’s mounting defensive crisis
Initial hopes for a rapid recovery were extinguished when medical examinations revealed a recurrence of a previous injury from December.
This latest physical setback continues a frustrating period for the centre-back, who has already endured two serious knee injuries in recent years.
The defender has amassed 38 international caps since his debut in 2018 and was widely expected to start this summer.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti must now rethink his defensive strategy ahead of their opening Group C fixture against Morocco on 13 June.
Brazil chase elusive sixth title
The South American giants will also be without Rodrygo, after Militao’s club teammate suffered a serious knee injury last month.
The national team are desperately seeking their sixth world crown, having endured a 24-year wait since last lifting international football’s most prestigious trophy.
Following their opener, Ancelotti’s squad face Haiti on 20 June before concluding the group stages against Scotland four days later.
