In Madrid, the football pitch has seen some impressive plays, but off the field, the situation is far from ideal. Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is grappling with adversity as two key players face a season-long absence due to ligament tears. Thibaut Courtois was the first to be sidelined, tearing his ACL during a training session. Soon after, Eder Militao suffered a similar fate, managing only 50 minutes of play in Madrid’s season.
Unfortunately, the challenges for Madrid don’t stop there. Three potential starters are now out with various injuries, leaving the team anxiously waiting until January for their return.
Despite these setbacks, the team’s on-field performance remains commendable. Los Blancos are in close pursuit of high-flying Girona in La Liga, ready to capitalize on any missteps by the Catalunyan side.
But here we go again—Vinicius Jr finds himself on the sidelines. The Brazilian had already missed a month at the beginning of the 2023-24 season due to a left hamstring injury.
During Brazil’s clash with Colombia, he appeared to sustain a similar injury, forcing him out of play after just 27 minutes. While Vinicius initially downplayed the severity, tests revealed tendon damage and a hamstring tear, sidelining him for a minimum of 10 weeks.
Madrid’s star forward is now facing an extended absence, possibly stretching into the new year. While a Spanish Super Cup appearance on January 12 is a slim possibility, a more realistic return might be targeted for the Madrid derby on February 4.
Adding to Madrid’s woes, another blow hit in early August as a key centre-back suffered a serious knee injury identical to Courtois. The player had to be assisted off the pitch during Madrid’s season opener, and subsequent scans confirmed a torn ACL.
Courtois and Militao could follow a similar recovery timeline. Although there’s a slim chance the centre-back might contend before the season’s end, the more probable scenario points to a full return at the beginning of the next season. The challenges are undeniable, but Madrid remains resilient, navigating through adversity with their sights set on future victories.
