By Yobel Petros ’24
Cheick Doucouré, the impressive defensive midfielder for Crystal Palace and the Mali soccer national team, is facing a season-ending injury after a severe Achilles tendon rupture. He is mostly known for his defensive skills and amazing work rate, Doucouré’s absence will be a significant loss for his team and country.
Shocking Injury Strikes
In a recent battle against Luton Town, Doucouré suffered a devastating Achilles tendon rupture, an injury known for its demanding and prolonged recovery period. The injury occurred in the early second half, seconds after playing a simple pass to his teammate.
My Assessment of the Injury
The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel. It is the strongest and biggest tendon in the body and is the backbone for basic athletic movements. Luckily, he hasn’t acquired this injury before so he will be able to recover quicker than other players with a recurring Achilles tendon history. He will require surgery and a prolonged period of rehabilitation. For this injury rehabilitation includes a lot of progressive weight bearing and ankle stretches in the later recovery phase. However, with this injury, he is expected to miss the rest of this season.
Who I Think Will Fulfill Doucouré’s Position
In Doucouré’s absence, the player that might replace him could be a newcomer acquired in this upcoming transfer window in January. A possible replacement could be Adam Wharton. He’s a 19-year-old who has already become a regular starter for the team of Blackburn Rovers, where he played in all but two of the club’s games in his league this season, while he also played for England’s Under 20 team.
Sources
Achilles tendon rupture – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic. (2022, August 25). Mayo Clinic.(https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/achilles-tendon-rupture/symptoms-causes/syc-20353234)