Adelaide United will assess Michael Valkanis' knee injury in the coming days but admit the situation looks grim for the first-year captain.
Valkanis suffered the injury midway through the first half of the Reds' game against Melbourne Victory - the veteran defender hobbling straight off the ground rather than exiting through the interchange area.
Coach Aurelio Vidmar said he was unsure how damaged the skipper's knee was.
"At first glance I don't think it's too good so we will probably get a better indication in the next day or so. He just felt it pop," Vidmar said.
This classic story of injury is unfortunately far too common in Football. As a sports doctor the history of a “pop”, knee instability, swelling and the feeling of the knee giving way all points to a tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament.
I suspect that this is the diagnosis for Valkanis, even watching from my armchair in Sydney. The anterior cruciate ligament is one of 4 major stabilising ligaments of the knee. It is important in stabilising the knee particularly in twisting and cutting sports. Without it, the knee will depend on other structures such as muscle and cartliage for support and too often these structures will not be strong enough to support a rotating knee ending in collapse and swelling.
Unfortunately for Michael, he will need major knee reconstructive surgery and may not be seen for the rest of the A-League season. Recovery usually takes 6 months to return to free flowing football.
If you’re reading this Michael, don’t despair, you are not alone. Ruud Van Nistleroy also had his knee reconstructed prior to playing for Man U and he ended up playing at the top level.
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