He will undergo surgery and miss the World Cup

Éder Militão will not play in the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The Real Madrid defender will undergo surgery this week in Finland for an injury to the biceps femoris muscle in his left leg, a procedure that will require five months of recovery. According to reports in the Spanish press, the procedure will be performed by specialist Lasse Lempainen, who is known for having treated Pierre Kalulu in 2023 and Ronald Araújo in 2024.

The 28-year-old defender had already raised concerns for Carlo Ancelotti when he suffered an injury in the La Liga match against Alavés. Although the injury did not appear serious, surgery became necessary because it affected a scar from a previous issue. As a result, he will miss the most important soccer event.

A key player for Ancelotti

Militão was a key player in the Canarinha's defense when he was available, but injuries have sidelined him from recent qualifiers and friendlies. His last match with Brazil was against Tunisia last November, where he was injured in the 60th minute and missed the knockout-round games against France and Croatia. A lack of continuity has plagued him for some time: he played just 13 games in the 2023/24 season, 18 in the 2024/25 season, and 21 in the current season, figures that reflect his physical fragility.

The former Porto and São Paulo player took part in the 2022 World Cup and was expected to be a regular on the squad for 2026, having played 38 games and scored 2 goals for his national team. However, he will have to watch the tournament from home, a significant blow for Brazil and for the player himself, who remains an important part of Real Madrid's lineup despite his physical issues.

More Problems in Brazil

Concerns in Brazil are not limited to Militão. Young  Estevão suffered a Grade 4 hamstring injury and is also in doubt due to an injury that could keep him out of action for months and potentially prevent him from playing in the World Cup, while Rodrygo was sidelined after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee in March. The list of injured players is growing, complicating the Verde-amarela team's plans in the run-up to a World Cup that is already marred by a spate of injuries

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