Real Madrid are not expected to dip into the transfer market for a centre-back before the end of the January window due to the progress Eder Militao is reported to be making in his injury rehab.
Militao suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in his right knee in early November, just 15 months after a similar injury in his left knee. But, despite recovery timeframes ranging anywhere from seven months up to a year or more, the Brazilian has been desperate to play again this season.
MARCA has reported that the “more than remarkable” strides the player has made in just under three months since the setback is likely to influence Madrid’s transfer strategy.
There were concerns about a lack of centre-back cover when Militao initially went down again. But with David Alaba now back after more than a year out with his own ACL issue, Raul Asencio proving himself, Jacobo Ramon back in the fold and Aurelien Tchouameni still a capable stand-in alongside near ever-present Antonio Rudiger, it diminishes the urgency to recruit.
If Militao is to be ready by the start of next season, or miraculously even the latter stages of this campaign, Madrid are tipped to power through until that time instead. It means no new centre-back in the coming days, or even in the summer transfer window either.
Without an end-less pot of cash, it seems resources may be better spent elsewhere. In midfield, with Luka Modric set to turn 40 later this year, Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali is the latest player linked with the club. Manchester City are also credited with interest, which could create competition.
Madrid are also thought to be eyeing Joshua Kimmich, who is the final six months of his Bayern Munich contract but also still wanted by the Bundesliga giants.