Rodrygo is edging closer to a Real Madrid comeback after making progress in his recovery from a serious knee injury. The Brazilian forward has set his sights on returning in the club’s opening Copa del Rey match.
Rodrygo is continuing his rehabilitation at Valdebebas. Real Madrid confirmed that he continued working on his recovery during Thursday’s training session, and how he responds over the next few weeks will determine when he can rejoin group training.
According to AS, Rodrygo hopes to get some minutes in the Copa del Rey round of 32, scheduled for 16 December. Real Madrid enter the competition at that stage because they are taking part in the Spanish Super Cup.
The Brazilian sustained the injury against Getafe at the Santiago Bernabéu on 2 March. Tests confirmed tears to the anterior cruciate ligament and lateral meniscus in his right knee, and he underwent surgery on 10 March.
The injury ruled Rodrygo out for the rest of Real Madrid’s season and kept him out of Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. He had played at the previous edition in Qatar and had since become an option for Brazil in several attacking positions.
Rodrygo has started working with the ball again as part of his rehabilitation. His programme has also focused on building muscle while maintaining his weight. He will continue to increase the intensity of his training before being cleared to play.
His return would give José Mourinho another option on either flank and through the middle. Rodrygo, who joined from Santos in 2019, has played across Madrid’s front line and will ease back into action after his long lay-off.
Mid-December remains Rodrygo’s target, with a return in late December or January still considered more likely. AS reported that the medical recommendation was to wait until after the winter break.
