A boost for Real Madrid! Eder Militao return date outlined by Carlo Ancelotti as defender continues recovery from knee injury

The Brazilian defender, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament during the club's first La Liga match of the season, is all set to return to action by the end of March or April as confirmed by Madrid coach Ancelotti.

Speaking to reporters, the Italian said: "Militao will return in April or at the end of March. He is starting to feel very good. We thought that after [David] Alaba's injury, we could delay [Aurelien] Tchouameni in an emergency and he has done it well. Now it is an absolute emergency if [Antonio] Rudiger does not play but it is only for one game. It is not for the entire season because Militao will return."

He also hinted that he could deploy versatile Frenchman Eduardo Camavinga as a central defender if the situation demands. He added: "He has never played but he has the profile. He gets the ball out very quickly, he is very forceful in duels, he is very fast. They are the three options and all three give me confidence. I think they can do very well tomorrow. In my opinion, personally, the center back job is the simplest in football because you use your head more than your energy, that's why I think the three of them can do it well."

Los Blancos have a long list of injured players which includes first-team regulars like Thibaut Courtois, Vinicius Jr, Alaba and Militao, yet they are currently leading the title race in La Liga as they enjoy a one-point gap with Girona and are seven points above rivals Barcelona.

Los Merengues are set to lock horns against city rivals Atletico Madrid on Sunday at Santiago Bernabeu before facing title rivals Girona on February 10 in La Liga.