After five months of rehabilitation, Rodrygo is still some way from returning to action. When he does come back, the Brazilian will have to regain his speed and fight for his place in a Real Madrid attack that has become even more competitive during his absence.
The road remains long, but Rodrygo is moving in the right direction. Sidelined since suffering a serious right-knee injury at the beginning of March, the Real Madrid forward has now passed the five-month mark in his rehabilitation process.
According to AS, the former Santos star is continuing an intensive individual programme at Valdebebas, combining hydrotherapy, anti-gravity treadmill sessions, plyometric exercises and strength work. The objective is simple: gradually recover his physical condition without taking unnecessary risks.
Real Madrid are determined not to rush him back. The club expects Rodrygo to be unavailable for at least ten months, meaning a return around January 2027 is currently considered possible if his recovery continues without complications.
For now, Rodrygo’s main focus is simply getting his body ready for competitive football again. However, another major challenge will be waiting for him once he is finally cleared to return.
Real Madrid’s attack has changed without him
While the Brazilian has been working away from the spotlight, the competition for attacking places has become even stronger.
The arrival of Yan Diomandé has added another exciting option to José Mourinho’s squad. Alongside Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, Endrick, Carlos Espí and several other players capable of operating in advanced positions, Mourinho now has an impressive range of attacking alternatives.
Several players have also taken advantage of pre-season to impress the Portuguese coach and strengthen their position in the hierarchy.
That makes Rodrygo‘s situation particularly difficult. By the time he returns, he could have spent almost ten months without competitive football, while his teammates will already have accumulated matches and become familiar with Mourinho’s tactical system.
Rodrygo’s talent is unquestionable, but recovering from such a serious injury requires patience. Regaining rhythm, acceleration, confidence and explosiveness can take weeks or even months.
And the competition will not wait for him.
The Brazilian will therefore have to return, rediscover his best level and challenge an attacking hierarchy that will have had plenty of time to establish itself during his absence.
Could Rodrygo’s future become uncertain?
His situation could eventually have consequences beyond the pitch.
If Rodrygo returns to an already overcrowded attacking department and struggles for regular minutes, his name could once again emerge on the transfer market.
Year 7!
— Rodrygo Goes (@RodrygoGoes) August 20, 2026
¡ HALA MADRID! 🤍⏳ pic.twitter.com/MeVAc5jgFV
Despite his injury, the Brazilian remains highly regarded across Europe. His age, Champions League experience, technical quality and ability to play in several attacking positions make him an attractive option for many major clubs.
However, an immediate transfer appears highly unlikely. Rodrygo is still recovering, and interested clubs would probably prefer to assess his physical condition after his return before making a significant investment.
Everything will therefore depend on the months following his comeback.
If Rodrygo quickly rediscovers his form, he could once again become an important weapon for Mourinho. But if his role becomes limited behind Mbappé, Vinícius, Endrick, Diomandé and Real Madrid’s other attacking options, speculation regarding his future could intensify.
For now, Rodrygo is not really on the market. But his comeback could change everything. Once he is fully fit again, both Real Madrid and potential suitors may have to answer one major question: should his story continue at the Santiago Bernabéu, or will it be time for the former Santos prodigy to begin a new chapter elsewhere?
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