Real Madrid ended the international break with a worrying headline. Éder Militão, one of the pillars of Carlo Ancelotti’s defensive structure, left Brazil’s friendly against Tunisia with an apparent muscle injury, sparking concern just days before the club returns to LaLiga action.
The incident took place in Lille, at the Decathlon Arena, during a match used by the Seleção as preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

Militão, who continues rebuilding rhythm after his long-term ACL recovery, did not finish the match and walked off visibly uncomfortable — a scene that immediately set off alarms in Madrid.

Signs Of Trouble From The Opening Minutes

The center-back had already sent a warning early in the game. Within the opening stretches of the first half, Militão felt discomfort and signaled to the bench, prompting the Brazilian staff to warm up a potential substitute.
Despite the scare, the defender chose to continue and even started the second half, giving the impression that the issue had passed.

But in the 60th minute, everything changed. Militão attempted a routine pass and suddenly stopped, feeling pain once again. He quickly asked a teammate to put the ball out of play. The moment he crouched and grabbed his leg, the expression on his face said it all.

Brazil’s medical team came onto the pitch, spoke with the player for a few seconds, and immediately decided he could not continue. Fabrício Bruno of Cruzeiro replaced him with the score at 1–1.

Militão left the field limping, serious, and frustrated — the worst possible combination for Real Madrid considering his injury history over the last year.

What Comes Next For Real Madrid?

After the match, Brazil’s internationals travel back to their clubs, meaning tests in Madrid will determine the extent of Militão’s issue. The defender has only recently re-established himself in the rotation after months of rehabilitation, and any setback — even a minor one — is taken with maximum caution by the club.

For Ancelotti, the timing couldn’t be worse. With crucial fixtures approaching in both LaLiga and the Champions League, Madrid needs depth and stability in its back line. Militão’s blend of pace, timing and recovery ability is irreplaceable in certain defensive schemes.

Real Madrid will hope this is nothing more than a precautionary substitution. But until the medical reports arrive, concern is inevitable.