Real Madrid continues its preparations to try to win the Club World Cup. Xabi Alonso's first matches in charge are bringing positive results, securing qualification for the round of 16 as group leaders. The man from Tolosa is working with what he has, without some of the signings he requested and, in addition, with key absences that pose a setback in his ambitious project.
Key return for Madrid
In recent hours, AS has discovered that there will soon be a "reintegration" into Xabi Alonso's squad. In fact, the Basque coach considers him key to his project. We're talking about the Brazilian Éder Militao, who has joined the group sessions fully and has completed stages in his preparation.
Militao is expected to be included in Real Madrid's next squad list and it's not ruled out that he could even get some minutes. He has been sidelined for seven months due to a serious injury, and he is ready to return after 234 days.
The aforementioned report indicated that the Brazilian "is next". What Éder Militao wants is "a calm return," without overloading his body to avoid possible relapses. Xabi Alonso believes he can be key in the course of the season and doesn't plan to rush him... but he does want to gradually give him minutes.
Éder Militao: Ready to return
At 27 years old, Éder Militao is set to regain prominence at the heart of Real Madrid's defense. After overcoming a serious injury that kept him out for almost the entire previous season, the Brazilian is beginning to gradually integrate into the team's dynamics. His recovery has been closely monitored by the coaching staff, who fully trust that he can return to his best level.
Xabi Alonso, Madrid's new coach, sees Militao as an experienced defender, with authority and the physical ability to lead the backline. The Basque coach will seek to build a solid defense, and the Brazilian is set to be a key piece. In this new project, the club is working to have an ideal partner for Dean Huijsen, one of the team's great defensive prospects. Meanwhile, the competition between Militao and Antonio Rüdiger will be intense for the starting spot.
In this context, Raúl Asencio appears to be relegated to a more secondary role. Meanwhile, Éder Militao faces the season with ambition, knowing that his experience and performance can be decisive in establishing himself as the defensive leader in this new stage for Real Madrid.