Argentinian defender suffers full dislocation in knee during Copa Libertadores match

Argentinian defender suffers full dislocation in knee during Copa Libertadores match

BUENOS AIRES — An Argentinos Juniors defender suffered a full dislocation of his left knee on Tuesday during a Copa Libertadores match in Buenos Aires.

Luciano Sánchez, 29, suffered the serious injury after a challenge by veteran left-back Marcelo, now playing for Brazil’s Fluminense. His teammates initially believed he had broken his leg, but a medical report published by the club said it was a full dislocation.

The former Real Madrid player was sent off in tears as the Argentinian screamed on the pitch, surrounded by concerned players on both teams. The incident took place in the 56th minute of the match, which finished 1-1.

Local media say doctors at the Sanatorio Finochietto hospital estimated Sánchez’ recovery time between eight and 12 months due to the incident.
“I lived a very tough moment on the pitch today,” Marcelo said on social media. “With no intention I injured a fellow footballer. I want to wish you the best possible recovery, Luciano Sánchez.”

Argentinos Juniors thanked the Brazilian club and the footballer for their concern for Sánchez.

“We are rivals, not enemies,” the Argentinian club said.

Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz, who is also Brazil’s national team coach until the middle of next year, said in a press conference that Marcelo did not deserve to be sent off and called the incident “an unfortunate event.”

Gabriel Avalos opened the scoring with a volley for the hosts in the 14th minute of the first leg of the round-of-16 match. Argentinos later saw its goalkeeper Alexis Martin Arias sent off in the 76th minute, and be replaced by substitute midfielder Luciano Heredia until the end of the match.

Fluminense took advantage of the opportunity and equalized with Samuel Xavier in the 87th minute from long range.

The teams will play again next Tuesday at the Maracana Stadium for a place in the quarterfinals.

The incident occurred as Marcelo, known for his footwork and exceptional skill, maneuvered his way past his opponents, unintentionally causing a shocking injury to Sanchez. In a sequence of events that left spectators shocked, Marcelo’s supporting leg, while in mid-stride, landed heavily on Sanchez’s leg. The intense force of this unintentional stomp resulted in a horrific distortion of the Argentine player’s leg, bending it in an unnatural, inward angle. The sight of Sanchez in pain on the vibrant green turf sent silence through the stadium. Marcelo looked on in shock and tears as the feeling of guilt overwhelmed the Brazilian national.

The incident occurred as Marcelo, known for his footwork and exceptional skill, maneuvered his way past his opponents, unintentionally causing a shocking injury to Sanchez. In a sequence of events that left spectators shocked, Marcelo’s supporting leg, while in mid-stride, landed heavily on Sanchez’s leg. The intense force of this unintentional stomp resulted in a horrific distortion of the Argentine player’s leg, bending it in an unnatural, inward angle. The sight of Sanchez in pain on the vibrant green turf sent silence through the stadium. Marcelo looked on in shock and tears as the feeling of guilt overwhelmed the Brazilian national.
Sanchez, who was taken to a nearby medical clinic for treatment, suffered a dislocated left knee, Argentinos said in a post on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Today I had a very difficult moment on the pitch,” Marcelo posted on Instagram.
“I unintentionally injured a fellow player. I want to wish him the best possible recovery. All the strength in the world.”
His Brazilian club also posted a supportive message on social media.