Joaquin Panichelli suffers ACL tear, vows to chase new dreams after World Cup blow | OneFootball

Strasbourg forward Joaquin Panichelli, 23, has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while training with Argentina, ending his 2026 World Cup hopes and his season with the Alsace club.

The player said in an Instagram post that he is living through one of the most difficult moments of his life, reflecting that ideas of merit and injustice can feel blurred and insisting nobody deserves a setback like this.

The injury was sustained on Thursday, less than three months before the tournament, which runs from 11 June to 19 July. Strasbourg remain in the Europa Conference League quarter-finals against Mainz on 9 and 16 April and in the Coupe de France semi-finals against Nice on Wednesday 22 April.

Panichelli previously tore the ACL in his left knee in 2023 during his spell at Alavés, so he knows the lengthy rehabilitation ahead. He stressed his tenacity, said he is not seeking pity and that nothing has ever been handed to him.

He added that life will offer other dreams which he will chase through hard work, as he always has. He urged enjoying life and thanked supporters for their messages.

Source: L'Équipe