Corinthians striker Kayke suffers left ACL injury, likely out for season | OneFootball

Corinthians striker Kayke has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee, the club said, leaving him likely sidelined for the rest of the season.

The 21-year-old was hurt during Tuesday’s Copa do Brasil win over Barra in Florianópolis. He felt severe pain in the first half and was substituted in tears.

Imaging on Wednesday confirmed the ACL damage and he is under medical supervision, with treatment planning already under way. Full recovery from such injuries typically takes nine to 12 months.

He used social media on Wednesday to call it a difficult moment, thank supporters for their positive messages and pledge to focus on recovery.

Kayke had been on an upward curve under Fernando Diniz, starting five in a row and every game since the coach’s arrival. He had scored against Platense in the first round of the Libertadores. Diniz had publicly praised him, noting he was impressed when Kayke faced his Vasco side last year.

He joins a busy treatment room that includes Memphis Depay, out with a right anterior thigh injury, and Gui Negão with a grade 2 posterior strain. Goalkeeper Hugo Souza, centre-back João Pedro Tchoca, full-back Hugo Farias and midfielder Charles are also sidelined.

Without Kayke, Diniz can turn to Vitinho, Dieguinho, Kaio César and Pedro Raul alongside Yuri Alberto against Vasco da Gama on Sunday at 16:00 in the Campeonato Brasileiro. The venue will be determined after the club’s appeal is heard by the STJD on Friday, which reviews Derby sanctions.

Source: Meu Timao