Real Madrid forward Rodrygo Goes is facing a long recovery period, with reports indicating that the Brazilian international is not expected to return to competitive action until early 2027, as stated by AS.

The 25-year-old attacker is currently undergoing rehabilitation after suffering a severe knee injury that prematurely ended his 2025/26 season and dashed his hopes of representing Brazil in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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The Nightmare in Getafe

The injury occurred on 2 March 2026, during a La Liga match against Getafe at Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Rodrygo, who came on as a second-half substitute to invigorate the team, sustained the injury during a game that Real Madrid ultimately lost 1-0. He played through the entire match despite the injury.

Follow-up medical scans revealed a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) along with a tear in the lateral meniscus of his right knee.

Rodrygo suffered the injury against Getafe. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

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Rodrygo underwent successful surgery on 10 March, performed by the well-known Dr. Manuel Leyes. However, the complexity of the injury calls for a cautious recovery timeline of approximately 10 to 12 months.

A Year of Missed Opportunities

The timing of the injury proved devastating.

Rodrygo has had to watch from the sidelines as Real Madrid competed in crucial fixtures at the close of the 2025/26 season. He missed key Champions League matches against renowned teams like Manchester City and Bayern Munich, as well as the significant La Liga El Clasico.

Most significantly, the injury sidelined him for the entire World Cup tournament in North America.

Return unlikely till early 2027. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

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Looking forward, Real Madrid will feel Rodrygo’s absence keenly. He is set to miss the entire first half of the 2026/27 season under new coach Jose Mourinho.

If his recovery progresses without setbacks, the most optimistic scenario would allow him to rejoin partial team training in early 2027.

Currently, the Brazilian international is diligently working on his recovery at the club’s facilities, while his teammates begin pre-season training.

Before the injury, Rodrygo had recorded three goals and six assists across 27 appearances during what had been a challenging individual season.