Real Madrid’s Rodrygo to miss World Cup with torn ACL

Real Madrid on Tuesday confirmed that forward Rodrygo has a torn ACL and a lateral meniscus rupture on his right knee, injuries that are likely to mean he will miss this summer’s World Cup with Brazil.

“Following tests carried out today on our player Rodrygo by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and a rupture of the lateral meniscus of his right leg,” the club said in a statement.

Reports in the Spanish press claim that Rodrygo had been feeling soreness in his knee but was injured during Getafe’s shock 1-0 victory over Real Madrid on Monday.

Later on Tuesday, the Brazil international posted on social media, calling it one of the worst days of his life.

Rodrygo added in the post: “A huge obstacle has arisen in my life, in my career, and it prevents me from doing what I love most for a while. I’m out for the rest of the season with my club and out of the World Cup with my country, a dream which everyone knows how much it means to me. All I can do is be strong as always; that’s nothing new.”

“One of the worst days of my life. I’ve always been afraid of this injury. Maybe life has been a little cruel to me lately…I don’t know if I deserve it, but what can I complain about? I’ve experienced so many wonderful things, which I didn’t deserve either.

Sources close to Rodrygo said he will be out for eight months, but he will be evaluated constantly and his return will depend on his recovery.

The Brazil federation issued the following statement on Tuesday.

“The CBF expresses its solidarity with the athlete Rodrygo Goes, forward for Real Madrid and the Brazilian National Team, who suffered a serious injury during the match against Getafe in the Spanish League.

“Rodrygo sustained an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament and the outer meniscus of his right knee. The CBF wishes the athlete a speedy recovery and that he returns to the pitch as soon as possible.”