After serious injury, Labyad has surgery and posts online | OneFootball

Corinthians attacking midfielder Zakaria Labyad used social media this Sunday (16) to share an update after undergoing surgery on his left knee. The player had to undergo the procedure to reconstruct the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2026 season.

In one of the images shared, Labyad appears alongside friends, including Memphis Depay, who recently ended his spell with Corinthians. In the post, the player wrote the Arabic expression “الحمد لله”, which can be translated as “Praise be to God”.

Photo: Reproduction / Instagram

The injury happened during the goalless draw between Corinthians and Athletico-PR in the 21st round of the Brazilian Championship. Still in the first half of the match, played at Neo Química Arena, the Moroccan twisted his left knee and had to leave the game. Later, tests conducted by the club confirmed the ACL tear.

The match against the Paraná side also ended with other physical problems in the squad. Yuri Alberto suffered a muscle injury in the back of his right thigh, while Rodrigo Garro left the field with trauma to his right foot. The Argentine, however, has already recovered and returned to action for Timão.

The string of physical problems in that match also brought the condition of the Neo Química Arena pitch into question. Squad members and coach Fernando Diniz criticized the state of the field. Later, the company responsible for maintaining the pitch said it was working with a period of approximately four weeks for the surface to return to what were considered ideal conditions.

Labyad will not play again in 2026

Because of the severity of the injury and the time needed for recovery after ACL reconstruction surgery, Zakaria Labyad is not expected to return to the pitch this season. The attacking midfielder is now beginning the stages of recovery and rehabilitation in order to return to action.

The situation also affects the player’s contract with Corinthians. Labyad’s deal expires at the end of 2026, but the expectation is that an extension of the agreement will be necessary during his recovery period, due to Brazilian legislation regarding athletes injured while under an employment contract with the club.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.