Rodrygo takes significant step towards Real Madrid return after ACL injury

Real Madrid will fancy their chances of achieving success on all fronts during 2026-27, with their squad being at its strongest for some time. The additions of Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva, Yan Diomande and Carlos Espi all look good on paper, and with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe ready to hit the ground running again, it is a good time to be a Madridista.

And it will get better. Jose Mourinho has got an abundance of attacking quality at his disposal, but one player that he currently cannot count upon is Rodrygo. The 25-year-old, who could have left in the summer had he been fit, has been sidelined since March with an ACL injury. He has been tipped to return to action in early 2027 at the earliest, although there is now hope that he could appear again in 2026.

Rodrygo’s recovery has been going well, and he has taken another step forward this week by making his first appearance back on the grass since that day in March, as per MD. He can now enter the final stages of his recovery, which will end in him making a first appearance of the 2026-27 season at some stage in the coming months.

Rodrygo return is good news for Real Madrid

While it is true that Rodrygo had a difficult 12-18 months in terms of form prior to his ACL injury, he is still one of the best forwards in La Liga on his day. He showed his very best level in flashes during the previous campaign – particularly during Alvaro Arbeloa’s tenure – and he will hope to be more consistent under Mourinho.

For now, all Rodrygo and Real Madrid can do is continue counting down to the day he receives the medical green light, which should be relatively soon.