Seven months after knee surgery, the Boca captain is back in training at a level that could see him return to action in early June.
On October 12, 2022, during a crucial clash with Sarmiento in Junín, Marcos Rojo went down in the grass clutching his knee and immediately signaled for the substitution. The initial fears were confirmed as the defender exited the field with concerns about the injury taking hold.
But seven months later, Rojo is poised for a comeback with Xeneize signaling readiness to rejoin the squad.
WHY HAS MARCOS ROJO BEEN ABSENT FROM THE MOUTH?
WHAT INJURY DID MARCOS ROJO SUSTAIN?
Rojo left the Eva Perón stadium wearing a right leg splint and faced the gravity of his fears head-on: “I have a very strong knee. I’ve dealt with sprains before, but this feels reminiscent of what happened in England in 2017. It may be a cruciate ligament injury, and we will see the repercussions.”
The following morning, medical scans and assessments confirmed the concerns: “I was with Dr. Batista, and this is what I expected: my cruciate ligament is torn.”
On October 17, the player underwent surgery. Boca later disclosed that the problem affected not only the anterior cruciate ligament but also caused damage to both menisci.
HOW LONG HAS THE RECOVERY BEEN, AND WHEN IS THE RETURN EXPECTED?
Rojo spoke candidly at the clinic about the anticipated recovery window, estimating “about seven or eight months.” The defender had endured a similar timeline after a knee issue with Manchester United, returning to the field seven months after the incident on April 24, 2017, with a comeback on November 15 that year. This time, the schedule followed a comparable pace, though the exact return date was projected to slip slightly further ahead.
On May 1, 2023, exactly seven months after the operation, Rojo trained with teammates for the first time since the injury. He joined the group workouts but did not participate in the football drill to avoid rushing the process. As he progressed, the loads increased, and within three weeks he was moving with the squad again without restrictions.
Thus, after missing the tail end of the previous season, the opening phase of the Copa Libertadores, and more than half of the current domestic campaign, the coaching staff and the captain agreed on a target return. While there had been talk of a May 28 comeback against Tigre, the plan shifted to a May 31 reserve appearance before fully joining the professional squad for a reunion with Colo-Colo on June 6.
These developments signaled a deliberate, measured return, prioritizing Rojo’s long-term health and performance. The club’s medical and coaching teams emphasized gradual reintroduction and meticulous monitoring to ensure Rojo could contribute at the high level expected of Boca Juniors’ captain.
In the broader context, Rojo’s comeback is closely watched by supporters and analysts alike. The defender’s leadership on and off the field has long been a cornerstone for Boca, and his return is seen as a potential catalyst for the team’s defensive organization and veteran presence in the locker room.
Through the process, the emphasis remains on sustainable rehabilitation: progressive loading, functional drills, and sport-specific conditioning designed to restore Rojo’s knee stability and confidence. The goal is not only to rejoin the lineup but to perform at peak levels across a demanding schedule in local and continental competition. The medical team continues to provide updates as Rojo advances through each phase of the rehabilitation program, aiming for a confident and successful return to competitive football.
Attribution: Goal