Real Madrid Injury Update: Militao Set to Return, Vinicius Jr. a Doubt, Mendy Nears Comeback
Real Madrid is set for a significant boost this week with the anticipated return of defender Eder Militao. The Brazilian international has been plagued by injuries over recent seasons but has consistently been a pivotal player for Los Blancos when fit.
Militao's path to recovery has been challenging. After overcoming serious knee injuries and making a strong return at the start of the current season, a hamstring tear in December unfortunately sidelined him for another four months.
Eder Militao Receives Green Light for Return
Encouraging reports suggest Militao is medically cleared and could make his reappearance in the squad for this weekend's match against RCD Mallorca. Having trained with the first team during the international break, the club is confident in his readiness for competitive action. While his reintegration will likely be managed cautiously, Militao is eager to prove his fitness to manager Carlo Ancelotti and reclaim his starting position.
Ferland Mendy Targets Bayern Munich Return Leg
Meanwhile, left-back Ferland Mendy is also progressing well in his recovery. Following an intense performance against Manchester City, Mendy has been recuperating. Reports indicate he aims to be back in contention either for Real Madrid’s home fixture against Girona on the 10th or, more critically, for the Champions League return leg against Bayern Munich on the 15th of the following week.
Vinicius Junior a Doubt for Mallorca Clash
Despite the positive news regarding Militao, Real Madrid faces a potential concern with Vinicius Junior. While Militao might return against Mallorca, Vinicius Jr. is reportedly unlikely to start. He did not sustain a new injury during his time with Brazil but is experiencing significant fatigue and is expected to be rested.
Further complicating squad selection for the Mallorca match, Jude Bellingham is also likely to start on the bench. Fede Valverde is unavailable due to suspension, and both Rodrygo Goes and Thibaut Courtois remain sidelined with injuries. Notably, a full recovery for Courtois in time for the Bayern Munich fixture appears to be a difficult prospect.
Fresh materials — Football

Mikel Oyarzabal: Real Sociedad Owes a Lot to Pellegrino Matarazzo
Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal has expressed the squad's deep gratitude towards manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, crediting him with guiding the Txuri-Urdin back to the Copa del Rey final after a six-year absence. Oyarzabal is one of the few players who were part of the victorious 2021 squa

Real Sociedad Manager Pellegrino Matarazzo Discusses Copa del Rey Final and Team Readiness
Real Sociedad manager Pellegrino Matarazzo conveyed a confident outlook ahead of his team's Copa del Rey final clash against Atletico Madrid on Saturday. La Real are aiming to secure the trophy for the second time in five years, having last won it in 2021. The team has been a notable performer

Copa del Rey Final: Atletico Madrid vs. Real Sociedad - Predicted Lineups
The Copa del Rey final is set to take place at 21:00 CEST in Seville's La Cartuja stadium, featuring a clash between Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad. Both teams are eager to secure silverware, marking their first major trophy in five years. Los Colchoneros are making their return to the Copa

Barcelona Statistics Give Atletico Madrid the Edge in Champions League Decider
Despite optimism from Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and manager Hansi Flick about a potential comeback against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday night at the Metropolitano, current season statistics suggest a more formidable challenge than initially perceived. The

Andoni Iraola to Depart Bournemouth, Athletic Club Among Potential Destinations
Andoni Iraola, the former manager of Rayo Vallecano, is reportedly set to leave his position at Bournemouth at the end of the current season. The Basque manager has emerged as a prominent candidate to fill the anticipated managerial vacancy at his former club, Athletic Club, following Ernesto

Barcelona Legal Team Reviews UEFA Decision Amidst Atletico President's Dismissal of Pitch Concerns
Barcelona's acting president, Rafael Yuste, confirmed that the club's legal department is analyzing UEFA's decision to dismiss their complaint concerning a controversial non-penalty call during the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid. The Catalan club had l