# Real Madrid Defender Eder Militao Suffers Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Real Madrid defender Eder Militao has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. The Brazilian, 25, is the second Real player to sustain the same injury this week, following goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on Thursday.
## Injury Details
Militao was forced off early in the game after hyperextending his left knee and the club said he will “undergo surgery in the coming days”.
## Jude Bellingham Scores First Goal for Real Madrid
England midfielder Jude Bellingham scored his first goal for Real against Bilbao following his summer move from Borussia Dortmund.
## Manager Carlo Ancelotti Left With Fewer Options
The injury to Militao has left manager Carlo Ancelotti with just three fit centre-backs – David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Nacho.
## Real Madrid’s Injury Crisis
Real Madrid’s injury crisis has been growing in recent weeks, with Eden Hazard, Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez all missing from the squad due to injury or illness at various points this season.
The club have also had to cope with the departure of key players such as Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez in the summer transfer window, leaving them with fewer options in attack and defence respectively.
## Militao’s Absence
Militao’s absence will be a major blow to Real Madrid’s defence, as he has been a key player for the club since joining from Porto in 2019. He has made 32 appearances for the club this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists in the process.
The Brazilian defender has also been a regular starter for his country, making 11 appearances for Brazil since his debut in 2018. He was part of the squad that won the Copa America last year and was expected to be part of their squad for this summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo before his injury setback.
## Conclusion
Real Madrid will be hoping that Militao can make a speedy recovery from his injury and return to action as soon as possible, as they look to maintain their place at the top of La Liga and challenge for silverware in Europe this season.