Real Madrid announces ‘new measure’ to prevent injuries in 2026

The club has agreed to the return of Niko Mihic as medical supervisor.

Real Madrid wants a fresh start to the year. Especially when it comes to player injuries. To avoid a full medical department, as was the case in 2025, and a lot of headaches for Xabi Alonso’s coaching staff, the club acted quickly and announced the return of Niko Mihic as medical supervisor for all sectors, including the first team.

The Croatian previously headed Real Madrid ‘s medical department between 2017 and 2023. After leaving the position, he remained connected to the club as a consultant. This time, he will oversee the work of the first-team doctors, who remain under the direction of Felipe Segura. The information was published by “Marca”.

According to the Spanish newspaper, Niko’s return is part of the club’s ongoing efforts to improve all aspects of care for its professional athletes, as one of the main problems of the season was the large number of injuries suffered by first-team players, including several anterior cruciate ligament ruptures.

Among those who have been through the medical department are Bellingham, Camavinga, Rüdiger, Fede Valverde, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Carvajal, Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono, Tchouaméni, Thibaut Courtois, Kylian Mbappé, Éder Militão and Ferland Mendy.

Due to numerous injuries in the defensive sector, Xabi Alonso had to make adjustments during the season. Some youth players were even considered by the coach to fill in areas that were severely depleted.