The 27-year-old Real Madrid centre-back ruptured the proximal tendon of the biceps femoris in his left leg during the club's match against Alavés and was operated on four days later, on 28 April, by Finnish surgeon Lasse Lempainen at his clinic in Turku.
Lempainen, part of the Ripoll and De Prado medical group — a FIFA Medical Center of Excellence — operates on approximately 350 elite athletes per year and spoke exclusively to Marca about the case.
He was unequivocal about the absence of any alternative to surgery.
"His injury was very serious. The only option was surgery — with that hamstring injury, he couldn't continue his professional career at the highest level. The decision was clear. We are very sorry that, as a result, he won't be able to participate in the World Cup this summer."
On whether Militao can recover his full physical capabilities, Lempainen drew on his wider experience with elite athletes.
"I've treated many elite athletes with serious hamstring injuries and they've been able to return to their peak performance level. Many young players have even had their best years after a serious injury and surgery."
He acknowledged that residual vulnerability is always present after this type of procedure, but said the goal of the rehabilitation process is to reduce that risk to a minimum.
"There is always some vulnerability and residual risk. That's why it's essential to have a good operation and a well-planned rehabilitation, progressing step by step. The goal is to minimise that risk so the athlete can return with the best possible chance of success."
On whether Militao can handle the demands of a full 50-game season at Real Madrid upon his return, Lempainen was cautiously positive.
"Yes, if good work and proper rehabilitation have been done, I think it's possible. However, it's important to find a balance between the workload of matches and rest and recovery. We know these athletes play in the league, in the Champions League, they travel constantly — all of that must be taken into account."
Lempainen was also asked whether Militao's previous cruciate ligament surgery, suffered in 2023, may have contributed to this latest hamstring injury.
"We know that an athlete who has suffered a knee injury and undergone cruciate ligament surgery has a slightly higher risk of subsequently suffering a lower body muscle injury. This is a known fact, but it doesn't necessarily apply to Militao's situation."
His central philosophy on recovery timelines was clear.
"Time isn't the most important factor. If it takes five or six months, the important thing is that the player can return safely. We shouldn't rely on luck when an athlete returns to the game."
Militao is expected to return around October, in time for the second half of the 2026-27 season.