Brazil forward Rodrygo is on course for a remarkably swift recovery from a serious knee injury, raising Real Madrid’s expectations that he could feature again as early as January – two months earlier than first feared.
Spanish newspaper AS reports that medical tests and a demanding rehabilitation programme have shown “faster than expected” progress, giving Real Madrid renewed optimism that the 25-year-old can play a part in the second half of the season.
Rodrygo suffered a devastating blow on 2 March in a match against Getafe, tearing the anterior cruciate ligament and damaging the external meniscus in his right knee – an injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the club campaign and Brazil’s 2026 World Cup, where the Selecao exited in the last 16.
Comeback timetable brought forward
Initial assessments suggested Rodrygo would need around 12 months on the sidelines, a standard timeframe for such a serious ligament injury.
However, according to AS, the Brazil international is now tracking closer to a 10‐month comeback, with January identified as a realistic target for him to receive medical clearance to play.
Rodrygo underwent surgery on 10 March before starting an intensive regime of physiotherapy and gym-based conditioning, focused on restoring mobility in his right knee while maintaining overall physical fitness.
The report says he has been walking normally for several weeks, allowing him to resume day-to-day activities without major limitations. During his rehabilitation period, he travelled to the World Cup as a supporter of Brazil and met Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo in the stands.
Match sharpness may take longer
Although January has emerged as the likely date for Rodrygo to be declared fit from a medical standpoint, Real Madrid are aware that returning to full competitive sharpness will take longer.
The club is expected to manage his reintegration carefully, with a gradual increase in minutes before he can realistically challenge for a regular starting place under new head coach Jose Mourinho.
Even while injured, Rodrygo has remained a visible presence at the club. He reported back to Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training centre from the first day of pre-season, joining up with Mourinho’s squad and undergoing medical examinations alongside players who did not take part in the World Cup.
He has continued to work closely with the medical and fitness staff, maintaining daily contact with team-mates and coaches as he progresses through the later stages of his recovery.
Leadership role strengthened in Rodrygo’s absence
The AS report also highlights a reshuffle in Real Madrid’s leadership group following the departure of long-serving defender Dani Carvajal.
With Carvajal leaving the club, Federico Valverde has been promoted to first captain, followed by Vinicius Junior and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Rodrygo, despite his lengthy injury absence, is now fourth in the hierarchy.
His elevation within the leadership structure underlines the esteem in which he is held at the Bernabeu – and adds further significance to his anticipated return.
For Real Madrid, getting Rodrygo back ahead of schedule would provide a substantial boost during the decisive phase of the campaign, as Mourinho attempts to mould his new-look side into domestic and European contenders.
