Corinthians forward Kayke suffers ACL rupture as expert outlines surgery and return timeline | OneFootball

Corinthians have confirmed a complete anterior cruciate ligament rupture in Kayke’s left knee, likely sidelining the 21-year-old for the rest of the season.

Orthopaedist Bruno Canizares outlined the ACL’s role, saying it stabilises the knee by controlling forward tibial movement and rotation vital for football actions. Without it, those movements are unsafe.

For young professionals, surgery is the usual route, reconstructing the ligament with a graft to restore stability and enable a return to elite level. Rehabilitation then works on mobility, strength and confidence.

He warned that early comebacks increase the risk of re-injury, with typical return times of nine to 12 months. Clearance depends on objective criteria, including no pain or swelling, good mobility, knee stability and balanced strength.

For Kayke, if the injury is isolated without meniscal damage, recovery should be long and carefully managed. Youth aids recovery potential, but haste raises the chance of re-injury.

The forward had started the last five matches and every game since Fernando Diniz arrived. He also scored against Platense in his Libertadores debut.

In his absence, Diniz can turn to Vitinho, Dieguinho, Kaio César or Pedro Raul alongside Yuri Alberto for Sunday’s game with Vasco da Gama at 16:00 in the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Source: Meu Timao