Atlético de Madrid confirmed a ruptured Achilles tendon for the French midfielder, a development that immediately changed the club’s lineup plans. The injury unfolded during a LaLiga clash in Valencia, as Thomas Lemar sustained a blow that would sideline him for an extended period.
Thomas Lemar, the former Monaco talent, was in the starting XI for Atlético when they faced Valencia at the Mestalla on September 16. He could not complete the opening half, leaving the field in the 42nd minute after an attacking sequence. In that moment, he was forced to be substituted by Javi Galán as the pain surfaced during a sprint with the ball, ending a promising contribution early in the game.
Witnesses describe Lemar collapsing to the turf after releasing a shot and feeling a sharp strain in his right heel area. Medical staff arrived promptly, and the Frenchman was carried off on a stretcher. He faced the field with a pained expression, shielding his face as the seriousness of the situation sank in.
What the injury means for Lemar and his timeline to return
The moment Lemar left the pitch raised concerns for an Atlético side already dealing with a lean squad and several absences. Coach Diego Simeone was already juggling missing players like De Paul, Söyüncü, Koke, Memphis, and Reinildo, all sidelined by injuries or discomfort, which amplified the impact of Lemar’s predicament.
During the clash, Atlético Madrid communicated through their social channels that Lemar had to be taken off after the fall that appeared to threaten a serious Achilles issue. The club noted that medical services would run further tests to confirm the diagnosis and outline the next steps.
A day later, the club released a clearer update. The French midfielder had to be substituted during the Mestalla fixture, and after completing the medical assessments, the report indicated a rupture of the right Achilles tendon requiring surgical intervention. This confirmed a long period away from the pitch and set the stage for a challenging rehabilitation process.
Looking ahead, Atlético’s schedule included a demanding run of fixtures. The team was set to face Lazio in the opening round of the Champions League away from home and then host Real Madrid in the Metropolitano for the League derby. Both matches started around 9 p.m., and Lemar’s absence would be keenly felt as the team navigates these high-stakes encounters. The prognosis suggested several months out of action, aligning with the typical recovery timeline for an Achilles rupture followed by surgery.
In summary, Lemar’s injury marked a significant blow for Atlético, altering tactical plans and forcing the squad to adapt quickly while he undergoes surgery and a lengthy rehab. His return will depend on the success of the operation and the pace of healing, with a careful, staged approach designed to restore form and fitness before rejoining competitive play.
Source: Goal