MADRID, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid has confirmed that central defender Eder Militao suffered a "complete tear" of his anterior cruciate ligament in the first half of his side's 4-0 win at home to Osasuna on Saturday.
The Brazilian international fell awkwardly in the 28th minute of the game as he defended a high-ball into the Madrid penalty area. After receiving treatment on the pitch, he was carried off in obvious pain.
The club released a statement two and a half hours after the final whistle, confirming that "after the tests carried out on player Eder Militao, by the Real Madrid medical services, he has been diagnosed with a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, which has also affected the meniscus ligament of his right leg. Militao will have an operation in the coming days."
This means Militao will be out for a minimum of nine months and possibly longer.
The news is cruel for the defender, who only returned at the end of last season after missing nearly all of the campaign with the same injury on his left leg.
He joins full back Dani Carvajal as a long-term absentee, after Carvajal snapped his knee ligament earlier in the season, meaning the club is almost certain to look to sign a new defender in January.
Saturday's win also saw Lucas Vazquez and Rodrygo suffer muscle injuries, which could sideline them for several weeks. ■
