Expert explains Arrascaeta fracture and Flamengo star's recovery | OneFootball

Speaking to Coluna do Fla, physiotherapist Nelson Marques analyzed the play, detailed the surgery, and mentioned a recovery timeline of 60 to 90 days for this type of fracture

Arrascaeta suffered a Colles fracture in his left wrist, according to physiotherapist Nelson Marques in an assessment for Coluna do Fla. The Flamengo midfielder was injured this Monday (28) in Seoul. On that occasion, Uruguay beat South Korea 4-1 in a friendly.

Flamengo, in turn, confirmed the fracture and the need for surgery, but did not specify the exact type of injury. In addition, the club has not yet announced a recovery timeline or the date of the procedure.

The No. 10 slipped on his own, without any challenge for the ball, and braced his fall with his left hand on the pitch. Before the incident, he had already scored a goal and provided an assist. Then head coach Diego Forlán substituted him in the 32nd minute of the second half.

What is a Colles fracture?

According to Marques, the injury affects the radius, one of the bones in the forearm, in the area closest to the wrist. Therefore, in the physiotherapist’s assessment, the fracture is not in any of the eight carpal bones. In addition, the mechanism described by the specialist matches the way the Uruguayan fell in South Korea.

“The fracture Arrascaeta suffered is called a Colles fracture. It is a fracture of the distal third of the radius, that is, the part closest to the wrist. This type of fracture happens when someone falls with the hand usually outstretched,” explained Nelson Marques.

According to the specialist, this type of fracture usually involves displacement of the bone. Because of that, it can cause intense pain, swelling, deformity, and loss of strength in the hand. When there is major displacement or instability, the doctor may recommend surgery to reposition and fix the bone.

How wrist surgery works

Marques estimates that the procedure lasts, on average, between one hour and one hour and a half. During the operation, the surgeon realigns the bone, which may be displaced, overlapping, or rotated. After that, the fracture is fixed with plates and screws.

The physiotherapist refers to this realignment as “end-to-end” placement. Even so, the specialist considers the postoperative period the most demanding stage. After all, the athlete needs to regain mobility and fluid movement in the joint.

In the initial phase of physiotherapy, the focus is on controlling pain and swelling. In addition, the team works to preserve finger mobility and prevent stiffness. Once medically cleared, range-of-motion exercises and muscle strengthening are introduced.

How long should Arrascaeta be out?

For Colles fractures, Marques cites a recovery period of between 60 and 90 days. However, he stresses that the timeline varies depending on age, severity of the injury, surgical technique, and individual conditions.

The initial estimate reported behind the scenes is shorter. According to ESPN, Flamengo’s medical department is projecting around six weeks out. Officially, however, the club has not yet set a timeline.

“The recovery and bone-healing process depends on each person. Metabolism can help. (…) The issue is the recovery process, the mobility of this joint. That is what will make this process faster or slower. I know Flamengo’s staff, when it comes to physiotherapy, is of excellent quality,” said the physiotherapist.

Out for the Libertadores semifinal

With the injury, Arrascaeta will miss both matches against Estudiantes (ARG) in the Libertadores semifinal. The first leg is scheduled for October 15 in La Plata. The return leg will take place on the 22nd at the Maracanã.

According to information gathered by Coluna do Fla, the club is working with the possibility of having the midfielder available only for a potential continental final. Before that, Flamengo requested the player’s immediate return to Brazil, with the approval of doctor Fernando Sassaki. The medical department will then carry out a new evaluation before surgery.

The fracture adds to a season marked by physical problems. In April, Arrascaeta fractured his right collarbone, precisely against Estudiantes, in the group stage. Later, a right calf injury kept him out of the World Cup. Coluna do Fla looked back at all of the midfielder’s injuries in 2026.

While the No. 10 begins treatment, the squad returns to the pitch on Thursday, October 8. The opponent will be Santos at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Vila Belmiro, in the Brasileirão.

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