Real Madrid defender Militão leaves Brazil training camp with injury

Real Madrid central defender Éder Militão has left the Brazilian national team's training camp ahead of the South American World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay due to a leg injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced on Thursday.

“Defender Eder Militao complained of muscle pain in his right thigh after training on Wednesday and after the medical examinations carried out on Thursday, a small muscle injury was detected in his right thigh,” the CBF said in a statement.

“The player has been suspended for Brazil's next two qualifying matches. CBF expresses its solidarity with the player during this time and wishes him a speedy recovery.”

Militao, 26, who missed most of last season due to a cruciate ligament tear, is the latest Real Madrid player to suffer injury problems at the start of the season.

Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and left-back Ferland Mendy left the French training camp ahead of their Nations League matches against Italy and Belgium due to injuries sustained in Madrid's 2-0 win over Real Betis on Sunday.

Midfielders Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos and Jude Bellingham have also picked up injuries in recent weeks and defender David Alaba is still recovering from a cruciate ligament tear sustained last season. (Reporting by Fernando Kallas, editing by Ed Osmond)