According to a report by Madrid Universal on Friday October 16, 2026, Real Madrid may receive a timely boost ahead of Sunday’s La Liga meeting with Sevilla, as defender Éder Militão is reportedly close to returning to the matchday squad after 181 days away.

Madrid secured a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over Roma in the Champions League earlier this week, but now must focus on the league. They trail leaders Barcelona by six points and cannot afford another setback.

Vinícius Júnior’s four-match suspension is a significant setback for José Mourinho’s team. However, Militão’s possible return could offer welcome encouragement as Madrid prepare to host Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabéu.

According to journalist Sergio Quirante, Mourinho is considering including the Brazilian centre-back in his squad. Militão has been unavailable since April, when he suffered a serious hamstring injury that required surgery.

The 28-year-old has worked through a lengthy rehabilitation and resumed training with the first team during the international break. Mourinho previously chose not to select him for the Villarreal and Roma fixtures, preferring not to rush his recovery.

That cautious approach may now be changing, with the coach reportedly weighing a call-up for Sunday’s encounter. Militão is not expected to immediately reclaim a starting role, but simply returning to the squad would be encouraging.

When fit, the Brazilian is regarded as one of Madrid’s strongest options in central defence. However, repeated injuries have kept him sidelined for more than 700 days across the past three seasons, making careful management essential.

Militão’s potential availability would strengthen Madrid’s defensive choices at an important stage of the campaign. Rodrygo Goes and Raúl Asencio are expected to remain out, while Ferland Mendy has returned to training and is nearing his own comeback.