Eder Militao at risk of missing World Cup with hamstring injury - reports

Eder Militao limping off

Real Madrid's Brazil defender ⁠Eder Militao is at serious risk of missing the World Cup ‌after suffering a hamstring injury, sources close ‌to the club and the ‌national team told Reuters.

Real confirmed in ‌midweek that Militao felt a twinge ‌in a challenge shortly before halftime in Tuesday's win against Alaves and signalled ‌straight away to be replaced.

While ⁠Real coach ‌Alvaro Arbeloa initially struck an optimistic tone ​after the game, an MRI scan later revealed a muscle ​injury to the hamstring in Militao's left leg.

Spanish radio COPE first ⁠reported it ​was a recurrence of the injury he sustained in December, which could require surgery and rule him out of ‌the World Cup, which starts in less than 50 days. Reuters has confirmed that report with several sources.

The 28-year-old now faces an anxious wait. Sources told Reuters a final decision will be made and announced on Monday, when Militao undergoes ‌a new series of examinations with ​Real's doctors to determine the ‌next steps.

The latest blow marks another setback for the Brazilian centre back, who has endured a succession of injuries in recent seasons, ⁠including ACL ⁠tears in back-to-back ‌years.