Brazil forward Rodrygo is on course to hand Real Madrid an unexpected boost in the second half of the season, with his recovery from a serious knee injury progressing significantly faster than club doctors initially predicted.
Spanish newspaper AS reports that optimism has grown inside the Bernabeu over the 25-year-old’s condition, with indications that he could be cleared to return as early as January – two months earlier than the original prognosis.
The Brazil international suffered a devastating blow on 2 March in a league match against Getafe, tearing the anterior cruciate ligament and the external meniscus in his right knee. The injury abruptly ended his season and ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup, where Brazil’s “Selecao” exited in the last 16.
Ten-month comeback instead of year on sidelines
According to the report, Rodrygo is currently on track to complete his recovery in around 10 months rather than the 12 months first forecast after his diagnosis.
He underwent surgery on 10 March before beginning an intensive rehabilitation programme focused on restoring knee mobility while maintaining overall fitness in the gym. The plan has combined physiotherapy, strength work and controlled movement sessions to accelerate his return without risking setbacks.
AS adds that the forward has been walking naturally for several weeks, allowing him to resume a largely normal daily life away from the pitch. During the World Cup, he travelled as a supporter of Brazil’s national team and took the opportunity to meet Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Club sources cited by the paper suggest that a medical green light in January is now seen as a realistic objective. However, they caution that full match fitness and a return to the starting XI are likely to require additional time beyond that date, with Real Madrid determined not to rush his reintegration.
Constant presence under Mourinho at Valdebebas
Despite being sidelined, Rodrygo has remained a regular presence at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex.
He reported for pre-season from the very first day of preparations for the new campaign under incoming head coach Jose Mourinho and underwent medical tests alongside team-mates who did not feature at the World Cup. Since then, he has continued to work daily with club staff and stayed close to the dressing room environment.
Mourinho, known for carefully managing injured players’ return to competition, is expected to gradually phase Rodrygo back into full training once he receives medical clearance. The coaching staff see him as a key attacking option for the decisive part of the season in both La Liga and the Champions League.
New leadership order after Carvajal exit
The report also highlights a reshuffle in Real Madrid’s leadership group following the departure of long-serving defender Dani Carvajal.
With the right-back leaving the club, Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde has been elevated to first captain, followed by Brazil winger Vinicius Junior as second captain and Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois as third in the hierarchy.
Rodrygo has been designated as the fourth captain, underlining his growing status and influence within the squad despite his current absence from the pitch.
His accelerated recovery, combined with his newly formalised leadership role, means Real Madrid are increasingly hopeful that Rodrygo can play a decisive part in the latter stages of the campaign – turning what once looked like a lost season into an opportunity for a statement comeback.
