When he first earned a call to the national team, the academy striker faced a harsh setback as a severe injury sidelined him for months to come.
The win in Santa Fe was overshadowed by the painful news for the squad led by Fernando Gago. One of the team’s key players, Johan Carbonero, sustained a serious injury that will keep him away for much of what remains of 2023, a year still in its early stages. Carbonero, who had earned a first senior call-up, left the pitch with the menacing knowledge that his season would be put on pause after undergoing surgery for the injury.
To complicate matters, it was a milestone week for the forward, who had received his first invitation to Colombia’s national team. The squad is set to travel to Asia for the March FIFA window, with friendlies lined up against South Korea and Japan. Yet Carbonero will not be available for the squad’s planned activities, having already missed the 7 that emerged in Once Caldas and now facing a long road back.
WHAT INJURIES DID CARBONERO RECEIVE?
Imaging tests conducted after his return from Santa Fe confirmed the severity: a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The injury will require surgical intervention scheduled for Monday, March 27, as confirmed by the club’s medical team.
Further assessments have consistently pointed to an ACL tear in Carbonero’s left knee. The operation is set to be performed by Racing Club’s medical staff on the assigned date, with recovery ahead that will dictate his next steps on the field.
Good luck, Johan. pic.twitter.com/grG46CFOPR
– Racing Club (@RacingClub) March 18, 2023
HOW LONG WILL HE BE OUT
The prognosis hinges on the surgical plan and rehabilitation pace. In cases like this, a minimum recovery period of six months is typical, though each athlete’s timeline can vary. The injury likely compromises the remainder of the professional league season with Racing and a significant stretch of Copa Libertadores participation, potentially extending until the player has regained match fitness and the coaching staff feels confident in his pace back to competitive levels.
Regarding international duty, the national team will need to track his progress closely. If he returns to full form and secures playing time with Racing, there could be renewed consideration from the national team coach as soon as he demonstrates peak performance and consistent form in domestic competition, following the previous strong displays in Gymnastics and subsequently in Racing.
Source: Goal