Surgery and nine months without playing for the Brazilian defender of Real Madrid. The club confirmed the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Last update: November 11, 2024
Éder Gabriel Militao Pinheiro goes to the Real Madrid infirmary due to a serious injury that will keep him out of the pitch for the rest of the season. His absence adds to the already critical losses of the team’s defense, which cannot even count on Dani Carvajal and David Alaba, which completely changes the scheme proposed by Carlo Ancelotti.
The player’s screams of pain and tears went viral after the match against Osasuna last weekend. Obviously the discomfort was intense from the first minute and there was no expectation of a speedy recovery.
Complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with involvement of both menisci It is one of the most serious problems a footballer can suffer. Times of illness are prolonged and there is always speculation about the possibility that there will be consequences and that future performance will be affected.
The ACL is essential for knee stability. It connects the femur to the tibia and prevents the latter from moving too far forward.
Breaks of this type occur due to sudden changes in direction, improper landings and direct impacts to the legs. The symptoms are immediate and it becomes almost impossible to mobilize the joint.
In general, rapid swelling occurs with significant fluid accumulation in the knee and disabling pain. Many people report hearing a clicking sound at the precise moment of the injury.
Militao suffered a serious left knee injury on August 12, 2023. It was the first match of the La Liga season and Real Madrid faced Athletic Club in San Mamés.
On that occasion the Brazilian defender was also diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. He needed surgery and more than seven months to officially play again, which happened on March 31 of this year.
While it’s not something that happens automatically, we know there was a prior injury increases the risk of suffering new ones or having relapses. Among elite athletes, the possibility is greater because they are subjected to intense training and a tight schedule with few breaks.
Militao probably overloaded his right side. The operation on his left knee may have left him with some weakness on that side and, obviously, a feeling of instability that he tries to compensate for, unconsciously, by giving more weight to the “good leg”.
However, beyond the explanations, there is an aura of bad luck. Both injuries were serious and the new period of absence that the player will experience could be longer than last season.
What awaits Éder Militao in the future?
Militao’s serious knee injury is a shock for him and for Real Madrid. In your particular case, There is definitely fear about the race and the consequences.
Immediately after the operation, a short hospitalization is expected and you will be able to return home the following day. The first few weeks will involve gentle exercises, passive stretching, and physical therapy to prevent adhesions.
The second period, 60 days after surgery, will contain activities such as cycling and swimming. As rehabilitation progresses, starting from the fifth month more intense exercises and simulated sports movements can be included.
To return to the field with medical discharge, treating professionals must ensure that the new ligament is functioning and that the quadriceps has good muscle mass. For this it will take no less than seven months and, almost certainly, we are talking about nine.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Ancelotti will look for transfer reinforcements to rebuild the defense. We talk about Laporte and Lukeba. Something that will ultimately be determined based on the urgency and economic demands of each party.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Sports Injury Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the sobering topic of sports injuries, particularly focusing on Brazilian defender Éder Militão’s serious anterior cruciate ligament rupture. With us is Dr. Laura Freitas, a renowned sports injury expert. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Freitas!
Dr. Freitas: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic, especially given the impact injuries can have on athletes’ careers.
Editor: Militão’s recent ACL injury has put him out for the rest of the season. From your expertise, how significant is this type of injury in the world of football?
Dr. Freitas: An ACL injury is one of the most severe setbacks an athlete can face, especially in football where the demands of sudden direction changes and high-impact movements are constant. It affects knee stability and can change how players perform. For a player like Militão, whose role relies heavily on mobility and speed, the absence will certainly alter Real Madrid’s defensive strategy.
Editor: It’s heartbreaking to hear about the immediate symptoms of an ACL tear. Could you elaborate on what athletes typically experience when this happens?
Dr. Freitas: Absolutely. When an ACL is ruptured, athletes often experience a noticeable popping sound and immediate pain. This is followed by rapid swelling due to fluid accumulation in the knee, which can make it nearly impossible to move the joint. The emotional toll can be just as significant, as players worry about the long-term implications for their career.
Editor: Militão has a history of knee injuries, having previously ruptured the ACL in his left knee just months ago. Is there a correlation between past injuries and the likelihood of new injuries?
Dr. Freitas: Yes, previous injuries can increase the risk of new ones. Once a ligament is weakened, the body may unconsciously compensate, placing additional stress on other areas, like Militão’s right knee in this case. It’s common among elite athletes—they undergo rigorous training, and if one side is compromised, they might overload the “healthy” side, inadvertently leading to injury.
Editor: That’s a fascinating insight. You mentioned how much training plays into this. Are there preventative measures teams can implement to reduce these risks?
Dr. Freitas: Definitely! Teams can benefit from incorporating strength and conditioning programs specifically designed to enhance knee stability and proprioception. Regular physiotherapy and biomechanical assessments can help identify potential weaknesses. Additionally, rest and recovery periods should be prioritized to allow athletes’ bodies to adapt without undue stress.
Editor: With such severe consequences from an injury like this, do you think technology in sports medicine is making a difference in rehabilitation?
Dr. Freitas: Yes, technology is revolutionizing rehabilitation. Innovations like biomechanical analysis, advanced imaging, and even wearable tech can monitor recovery progress in real-time. These tools help medical teams devise tailored rehabilitation plans, allowing athletes to return to play more safely and at peak performance.
Editor: It’s great to see advancements that could potentially ease the burden of such injuries. Before we wrap up, what do you think lies ahead for Militão in terms of recovery and future play?
Dr. Freitas: Recovery from an ACL injury typically takes between six to nine months, depending on individual factors and rehabilitation protocols. For Militão, it will take dedication and the right support team, both medically and emotionally. If he follows through with rehabilitation, there’s a strong possibility he can return to top form, but it might require time for him to regain full confidence in his knee.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Freitas, for these valuable insights! It’s crucial for fans to understand the complexities behind these injuries and the challenges players face. We wish Éder Militão a smooth recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the pitch!
Dr. Freitas: Thank you! I hope so too. Here’s to a safe return for all athletes facing similar challenges.
Editor: And that’s a wrap for today’s discussion. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of sports and health at Time.news!