MADRID (AP) 鈥� Brazil international Rodrygo will miss the rest of Real Madrid’s season and the World Cup because of a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee.
The 25-year-old winger was injured in on Monday, when he came on as a substitute after having sat out nearly a month due to tendinitis.
Real Madrid confirmed the diagnosis Tuesday. Rodrygo called it 鈥渙ne of the worst days of my life.鈥�
“I鈥檝e always feared this injury. Maybe life has been a little cruel to me lately. I don鈥檛 know if I deserve this, but what can I complain about? How many wonderful things I鈥檝e already experienced, which I also didn鈥檛 deserve,鈥� he said on Instagram.
鈥淚鈥檓 out for the rest of the season with my club and out of the World Cup with my country, a dream that everyone knows how much it means to me. And all I can do is be strong as always, that鈥檚 nothing new,” Rodrygo added.
Neither Madrid nor Brazil’s soccer federation mentioned surgery or a timetable for Rodrygo’s return. The federation wished him a 鈥渟peedy recovery.鈥�
Rodrygo played in all five of Brazil鈥檚 games at the 2022 World Cup, where his team to Croatia. Rodrygo’s spot kick was saved in the shootout.
He was not in Brazil’s squad for any of the last four World Cup qualifying games last year, but coach Carlo Ancelotti did use Rodrygo in each of the four friendlies in October and November.
Neymar, who , said he was saddened by news of Rodrygo’s injury. It brought back memories of 鈥渢he suffering, the anguish and the fear of having this injury,鈥� he wrote on his social media channels.
鈥淢y number 10, my boy, my heir (as I call you), I only ask you for one thing. Take care of your head. Now is the time to put everyone you love around you,” the 34-year-old Neymar wrote. 鈥淎s you told me, you didn鈥檛 deserve to go through this now. But who are we to doubt God鈥檚 plans. I am sure you will be back to your best. I love you and as much as you gave me support, I will be here for you.鈥�
Rodrygo played 27 games for Madrid in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and adding six assists.
Madrid is still missing injured star striker .
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