Timeframe Given for Return of Real Madrid Defender Eder Militao

The last time Real Madrid defender Eder Militao was seen on the pitch was back on the 21st of April, in a 2-1 win against Alaves at the Bernabeu. 

Shortly afterwards, he underwent surgery that ruined his dreams of representing the Brazil national team at the FIFA World Cup in North America that summer, and meant he would not be able to represent Real Madrid for several months (albeit some of those would have been off season). 

Well, two months into this campaign and we are still yet to see Militao, however there is some good news to bring to you, at long last, on that front. 

Indeed so, as according to Marca, (via Madrid Universal), the defender is training normally with the group on Monday (the 12th of October). He will not travel with the group to Rome for Wednesday's clash with AS Roma, as it is seen to be a hasty decision to play him just yet.

However, he is now just two weeks away from being fully ready to play, which is just great news. Having a player of Militao's ability will be absolutely key for the team moving forwards, provided he can stay fit, which is a big caveat, no doubt. 

It is also very sensible for the club to be extra careful. You could wait two weeks to have the 28-year old back playing and available, or you could take a risk and play him now - and then have to wait two months to have him back playing and available. With a player as fragile as the Brazilian international, you have to be sensible, and it seems the club are being exactly that. 

If, by any chance, he can stay fit, it adds a completely new dimension to how the team can play. For example, with Militao's elite channel defending - as has been proven by him playing at right back here and there during his career - he is able to allow a player like Trent Alexander-Arnold to push on and do his thing, knowing he has elite level channel coverage behind him mopping up. Ironically, Ibrahima Konate often did this for him at Liverpool. 

Certainly, it will be interesting to see if El Clasico just abouts fits into that two week threshold. If it does, then that would be an absolutely huge, monumental boost to Jose Mourinho and the team, and could help make the difference in the game. Let's wait and see.