Militao returns to Real Madrid squad for Sevilla after long injury absence

Real Madrid have confirmed Brazilian defender Eder Militao's inclusion in the squad for Sunday's La Liga match against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu, marking his first availability since before the end of last season. José Mourinho confirmed the selection at a pre-match press conference on Saturday, stating that Militao has recovered from a hamstring issue that has sidelined him for an extended period.

Militao, widely regarded as one of Real Madrid's best defenders, will not be expected to start or play significant minutes in the ninth-round fixture. The coaching staff plans to manage his reintegration carefully, potentially providing limited playing time if Real Madrid secures a substantial lead late in the match. This cautious approach reflects both Militao's injury history and the need to ensure a smooth return to competitive action.

The 26-year-old's availability provides a significant boost to Real Madrid's defensive options at a time when the squad has faced fixture congestion. Real Madrid currently sit fourth in La Liga with 18 points. Notably, winger Vinicius Junior is unavailable for the match due to suspension. The match kicks off at 21:00 CEST (3:00 pm EST) on Sunday, 18 October 2026, and will be broadcast on multiple platforms including DAZN La Liga in Spain and ESPN Deportes in the United States.