Doctor outlines Gabriel Paulista knee injury and warns of absence in key Brasileirão run-in | OneFootball

Gabriel Paulista missed Corinthians’ 3-1 defeat to Fluminense at Neo Química Arena on Sunday after a medial collateral ligament strain in his right knee, putting his participation in the Brasileirão run-in at risk.

According to Meu Timao, orthopaedist and knee surgeon Dr Alexandre Mestriner explained the MCL sits on the inner knee and is often hurt by twists or impacts, and that prognosis is far better when the injury is isolated than with, for example, an ACL.

Unlike most ACL cases, MCL strains and even some complete tears are typically managed without surgery. Standard care involves protecting the joint for the first weeks, then physiotherapy until a full return to sport.

Recovery can range from four to 12 weeks, depending on severity. A high-performance player with only a strain could be out four to six weeks, while a complete lesion, even without surgery, might take up to three months. Imaging, especially MRI, and the physical examination will guide the timeline.

Given those parameters, the initial expectation is that Gabriel Paulista will miss at least the fixtures against Internacional and Palmeiras on seven and 11 October, in the 28th and 29th rounds of the Brasileirão.

In his absence, Fernando Diniz has youngsters Iago Machado and João Pedro Tchoca to partner Gustavo Henrique. André Ramalho is recovering from labyrinthitis and has no return date.

Source: Meu Timao

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