Barcelona footballer Ansu Fati went off injured at half-time in Saturday's clash against Real Betis. The promising striker was replaced by Leo Messi.
The fact the Argentine began the match on the bench, as well as the fact he had one of his best games this season, put the Fati injury to back of people's minds. At least that was until this statement came out. Ronald Koeman revealed in the post-match press conference that the subsitution came out because of an injury.
Just a few minutes later, the club confirmed the Dutchman's suspicions. Barca made the player's medical report public on social media: he has "torn the medial meniscus in his left knee".
They have not said how long the player will be out for, but the type of injury Fati has means he could be out for four weeks.
At the moment, what looks certain is that he will be sidelined for Spain's triple header with the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany in November.
Fati will also miss the matchday 10 La Liga match with Atletico Madrid as well as the games against Osasuna and then Ferencvaros in the Champions League. He may be back for the meeting with Cadiz, but it will be difficult.
November 7, 2020
However, this is all providing the player does not need an operation. If he does, he could be out for two or three months. In other words, he would not be back until 2021.
Dr Ripoll told 'Marca' that the Barca man could even miss five months of action if the wound cannot be stitched up.
Dr Jordi Suros, director of the Sportcat high performance centre, spoke to 'Mundo Deportivo'. He opted for a conservative approach. "As it's the medial meniscus and given the player's age and bright future, I'd try and save the meniscus. I, with my patients who also play sport, tell them to not play sport for four months," he said.
Barca's statement was the following: "Tests carried out this afternoon have shown that Ansu Fati has torn the meniscus in his left knee. The treatment required will be determined in the coming days."