Real Madrid defender Eder Militao and goalkeeper Andriy Lunin have both withdrawn from their international duties due to respective health concerns.
Militao, who had travelled to Brazil following Real Madrid’s win against Villarreal, will now return to Madrid. The tests conducted by the Brazil national team revealed that he is dealing with a muscle problem.
On the other hand, Lunin has been sidelined by a viral infection.
Militao was originally set to play for Brazil in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Peru. However, after a minor muscle injury was discovered in his left thigh, the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed his withdrawal.
This injury places him alongside Vinicius Jr., who is already out due to a cervical issue. Flamengo’s Fabrício Bruno has been called up to replace Militao in the squad.
What happened to Lunin?
Lunin, the Ukrainian goalkeeper, has also been ruled out of his nation’s upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Georgia and the Czech Republic.
His absence is due to a viral infection, which comes after he recently filled in for Real Madrid’s regular goalkeeper during their matches against Lille and Villarreal, as the Belgian goalkeeper was dealing with a muscle injury.
Meanwhile, Militao had initially travelled to Sao Paulo with his fellow Brazilians Rodrygo and Endrick, fresh off Real Madrid’s latest victory.
Brazil’s statement on Militao
However, upon arriving in Brazil, medical tests confirmed his muscle injury. It’s worth noting that Militao had already shown signs of discomfort in the match against Lille, where he requested to be substituted due to physical issues.
“The athlete (Militao) left the Spanish club’s La Liga match (against Villarreal) complaining of muscle pain in his left thigh,” read a statement from the Brazil Football Federation (h/t The Athletic).
“He underwent tests this Sunday in Sao Paulo, which revealed a small muscle injury in his left thigh that prevents him from playing in Brazil’s two games.”
The Brazilian defender will now return to Madrid to focus on his recovery and aims to be ready for selection by Carlo Ancelotti after the international break.
Militao’s absence, along with Lunin’s, adds to the list of Real Madrid players currently dealing with injuries, but the club will hope to have them fit soon.