The worst-case scenario has been confirmed for Spanish forward Samu following medical examinations. As reported by Récord and subsequently verified by his club, Oporto, the player has sustained a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. This severe injury occurred during the match against Sporting de Portugal on Monday, forcing him to be substituted at halftime.
Having undergone initial tests after the incident, the diagnosis was definitively established. The club, commonly known as the Dragones, issued a statement clarifying the extent of the damage, describing it as a sprain of the right knee involving injury to the anterior cruciate ligament. They further indicated that Samu will face additional evaluations in the coming days to determine the full scope and next steps for his recovery.
A Major Blow for National Team Aspirations
This development represents a significant personal and professional setback for the attacker, who was reportedly in the plans of Spanish national team coach Luis de la Fuente. The timing of the injury is particularly cruel, effectively ruling him out of contention for the upcoming World Cup, a tournament for which he was being considered.
The injury’s severity, a torn cruciate ligament, typically necessitates a lengthy rehabilitation process spanning several months, thereby eliminating any possibility of his participation in the global football showcase. The incident, a singular moment in the clash with Sporting, has thus not only altered the immediate trajectory of his club season with Oporto but has also dashed his international ambitions for the foreseeable future.