Real Madrid defender Eder Militão tears ACL and needs surgery

MADRID (AP) — Just over a year since tearing an anterior cruciate ligament in his left leg, Real Madrid defender Éder Militão ruptured the ACL in his right leg when he crumbled amid screams at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Brazil center back pulled his jersey over his face as medics carried him off in the first half of the 4-0 win over Osasuna in La Liga.

The club said he will need surgery.

Militão missed most of last season after he tore his left ACL in the season opener. He returned in March and helped the team win the Champions League and Spanish league.

The defender has helped Madrid win two European Cups and three La Ligas, among other trophies. He anchors the center of the backline with Antonio Rudiger.

Real Madrid defender Eder Militão tears ACL and needs surgery | iNFOnews.ca — Real Madrid’s Rodrygo sits on the bech after an injury during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Breton)

Coach Carlo Ancelotti replaced Militão by giving a debut to youth player Raúl Asencio.

Madrid and Brazil forward Rodgryo was also injured before Militão went down. He went to the bench and had ice applied to his left leg.

Right back Lucas Vázquez was also substituted at halftime after he was clearly hampered by a leg issue.

This is the second ACL injury to Madrid’s squad this campaign after Spain right back Dani Carvajal ripped up his right leg last month. Goalkeeper Courtois Thibaut, David Alaba and Aurélien Tchouaméni were also unavailable with their own injuries.

Last season, besides Militão, Madrid also lost Courtois and Alaba to ACL injuries.