A Comeback Against the Odds

Spanish forward Gerard Deulofeu, 31, is attempting a return to professional football after more than three years of battling a complex knee injury. His journey is being described as a fight for a miracle, fueled by an unwavering passion for the game and a determination to rewrite his story.

From ACL Tear to Cartilage Damage

Deulofeu’s initial injury, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear sustained before a break in Serie A play, seemed like a standard setback. He had previously recovered from an ACL tear at Watford in 2020. However, his recovery took a devastating turn due to a subsequent infection.

“You do the surgery and you change your ACL, your system and you do a progressive recovery,” he says. “But the problem was the infection.”

This infection progressively damaged the cartilage in his knee, leaving him with a feeling of bone on bone.

Drawing Inspiration from Santi Cazorla

Deulofeu has sought guidance from fellow Spanish international Santi Cazorla, who overcame a lengthy absence due to a severe Achilles tendon injury. He finds strength in Cazorla’s story.

“It is an amazing example,” says Deulofeu. “To imagine how he suffered in these two years and a half, I can feel it now.”

Deulofeu underwent cell treatment in an attempt to rebuild the cartilage, but faced further setbacks when attempting to return to running.

The Road to Rebuilding Strength

After realizing his knee needed to fully heal before resuming intense training, Deulofeu dedicated six months to building strength. He worked with a physio and fitness trainer for three to four hours every morning, five days a week at Udinese’s Stadio Friuli.

“Let’s witness if I can accept impact,” he says. “I am so happy since I feel the leg is really strong. The more muscle you gain, the less pain you have inside the knee, so now I feel that, yes, my knee is prepared to run.”

He is now cautiously optimistic about his ability to return to the pitch, acknowledging the challenges of playing without full cartilage or meniscus.

Finding Strength in Family and Happiness

Deulofeu emphasizes the importance of his personal life in sustaining his motivation.

“There are three really important things,” he explains. “One, for sure, is family and home. To attempt to go ahead with this period, first of all your home has to be with peace and love every morning. Happiness, seeing your kids growing, with your wife, really quality peace and love at home. That’s really important to go to training every day with a good mood.”

FAQ

What type of injury did Gerard Deulofeu sustain?

He initially suffered an ACL tear, which was complicated by an infection that damaged the cartilage in his knee.

Who is inspiring Deulofeu during his recovery?

Santi Cazorla, who successfully returned from a long layoff due to an Achilles tendon injury, is a source of inspiration for Deulofeu.

What is Deulofeu currently doing to aid his recovery?

He is focusing on building muscle strength and undergoing cell treatment to rebuild cartilage.