Asensio’s 8-month recovery timeline

Marco Asensio is back. It has been 251 days since the cruciate ligament in his left knee was torn. Eight hard months of working in the shade, alone. Weeks of seeing his teammates on the grass and not being able to help. Now, finally, see light at the end of the tunnel. He feels ready to go one step further and return to training with the rest of his teammates. This is the timeline of his recovery.

August

On August 7, 2019, Dr. Manuel Leyes underwent surgery at the Cemtro Clinic in Madrid for his rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and external meniscus of the left knee. They are hard weeks, with many pains in the operated area. Also dizziness and vomiting from the strong medication.

October

Daily eight hour sessions in Valdebebas. The first arrives and the last leaves daily. It is very monotonous: pool, gym and physical therapy. No ball and don't step on the grass either. They are the most difficult weeks of rehabilitation.

November

There comes a moment that charges him with morale: he begins to step on the grass. The first days he does it barefoot and, in the following weeks, he changes to sports and later to football boots. Weekly progress is more evident.

January

On January 21 he receives the best possible birthday present: he starts playing the ball. He sees the end of Calvary closer and closer, although he remains faithful to his pact with the doctor: to see the evolution week by week.

February

In addition to driving, he begins to hit the ball. They are very soft strokes, short passes, but that allow you to feel like a footballer again.

March

Take the final step: hit the ball hard. Shots, long passes … He also advances physically, with sprints, changes of direction … It is the last phase of recovery before returning to the group.