José Martínez ‘could miss’ rest of Corinthians season with ACL injury | OneFootball

José Martínez has suffered an ACL injury to his left knee and could miss the rest of Corinthians’ season, with recoveries of this type typically taking up to nine months. ge.globo reports that the issue was identified after medical tests.

The Venezuelan midfielder had been absent since three January due to a passport impasse. He travelled back to Venezuela to renew a document retained after border closures amid the local political crisis.

He told the club the new passport was filed on 13 January and was issued last Friday, when he returned to Brazil. During that spell, Corinthians sent him a training programme but could not ensure it was followed to the letter.

On 10 January he posted a video on social media working on a pitch with a fitness coach, including ball drills. After the derby with Palmeiras on Sunday, coach Dorival Júnior said Martínez came back with knee pain and was referred to the medical department for scans.

The delay caused unrest internally. Dorival repeatedly struggled to reach the player and highlighted a shortage of more defensive midfielders, which made his absence weigh on planning.

In January, Martínez said bureaucracy in his country delayed his return and he wanted to rejoin training quickly, adding he stayed in constant contact with the board. President Osmar Stabile recently said no decision had been made on any measures over the delay.

With Martínez sidelined, Corinthians have moved to sign Allan, 28, from Flamengo on a season-long loan without a fee, covering his wages in full. The agreement includes an option to buy at the end of the deal.

Source: Meu Timao