• Meniscus Injury Leaves Luis Suarez a Doubt for Brazil

    Luis Suarez looking doubtful after meniscus tear during training

    His tenure in the Barclays Premier League has been, quite frankly, a bit nuts. A torrent of controversy, speculation and sheer football brilliance, Luis Suarez has constantly battled with what is deemed acceptable and tolerable in the 21st century game. Biting some players, racially abusing others and generally warring with the media at any possible occasion, Suarez has been a subject of constant attention.

     Photo Credit: Viking- via Compfight cc
    Photo Credit: Viking- via Compfight cc

    Oh, and he scores goals. All the goals.

    Yet it seems that his impressive run of luck may have finally come to an end as news reports flutter the airwaves of meniscus tears and keyhole surgery.[1] Suarez, the formidable striker with 31 goals in 33 games for Liverpool this season, may finally witness a flock of chickens roosting all over his World Cup dreams. And England fans, with their world renowned mercenary lack of sympathy, couldn’t be happier. After all, though Diego Forlan may have the mane of a Lion, rarely does the 35 year old show any real bite these days.

    For the Kop’s new favourite son however, the news will of course be a devastating blow that could see he him miss out on the chance to shine on the world stage this summer. Suarez has cemented himself as one of the most formidable and talented players to grace the game in recent years and having showcased himself to the Premier League in fantastic form, highlighted not least by his impressive partnership with Daniel Sturridge, the Uruguayan will of course be eager to represent himself in the greatest competition in the world.[2] After all, who knows where it could lead?

    For Joe Hart and the rest of Blighty however, the recently titled Most Influential Player in Europe missing out on the June 19th clash will no doubt be a source of relief following criticisms of England’s back four in the media.[3]

    How long will he be out?

    Suarez’s next few weeks are going to be vital as the 27 year old undergoes keyhole surgery to repair the damage to the meniscus which became injured on Wednesday 21st May.[4] The result of the operation will of course determine the level of his rehabilitation needs and the length of his recovery time. It may also mean that he misses out on theʼa title=”World Cup” href=”http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/” target=”_blank”>World Cup completely, but we hate to speculate.ROM SUAREZ

    A tear to the meniscus is nothing new in the world of top flight football (for more information, click here) with the injury occurring when meniscus (cartridge) becomes crushed between the shin bone and thigh bone during off balance joint movements.[5] The acute injury can cause a flap of cartilage to constantly protrude from the joint which repeatedly becomes trapped between the two bones and can lead to the locking of the joint and, of course, agonising pain. Due to the constant change in direction, pace and ball control element of the sport, footballers are at constant risk to injuries such as these. Though typically players can be expected to return to training within around four weeks, the extent of Suarez injury has yet to be revealed and hisʼa title=”World Cup” href=”http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/” target=”_blank”>World Cup future in Brazil seems in doubt.[6]

    Luis Suarez‘s next few weeks are absolutely crucial as he fights to keep hisʼa title=”World Cup” href=”http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/” target=”_blank”>World Cup dream alive. Following surgery the 27 year old will be subject to isolation of the joint in order to promote a speedy repair for a number of weeks before rehabilitation and light exercise can begin. He should be out for at least a month.

    For injuries such as these, items like the PhysioRoom.com ROM Knee Brace are the perfect addition to the rehabilitation regime. Providing both bilateral support and immobilization of the joint, the PhysioRoom.com ROM Knee Brace can be adjusted to allow more flexion and extension throughout the recovery process which enables the knee joint to heal successfully and quickly.

    For your amusement

    Here’s a video of Luis Suarez having dinner.


    [1] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2635960/Luis-Suarez-MISS-World-Cup-picking-knee-injury-training-Liverpool-striker-needing-meniscus-surgery.html

    [2] https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/premier-league/top-goalscorers.html

    [3] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/world-cup-nation/10680180/World-Cup-2014-Englands-back-four-is-not-robust-enough-but-Joe-Hart-looks-formidable-last-line-of-defence.html

    [4] http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27514880

    [5] https://www.physioroom.com/advice/experts/expert-updates/interview-richard-villar/

    [6] http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/meniscus-repair

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