Real Madrid defender’s surgeon reveals severity of injury: ‘Couldn’t continue at the highest level’

Militao wouldn’t have continued his career without surgery. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

On the general nature of this type of injury and what recovery looks like, Lempainen offered important context.

“Musculoskeletal injuries, and hamstring injuries in particular, are very common in football. Most affect muscle tissue and can be treated without surgery. However, when the injury is severe and the athlete is at a high level, surgery is often necessary.

“In severe cases, several months are needed to return to play, and return-to-performance tests must be performed before clearing the player to return,” he said.

Asked how long it typically takes for a player to return to peak condition following such a procedure, he was measured in his assessment.

“It also depends on their physical condition prior to the injury. Generally speaking, when a top-level footballer suffers a serious hamstring injury, it takes between four and six months for them to be able to return to competing at the highest level,” he said.

On the question of whether surgery eliminates the risk of a relapse entirely, Lempainen was rather uncertain.

“There is always some vulnerability and residual risk, as with many other injuries: knee, ankle, etc. In a sport as demanding as professional football, there is always some risk.

“That’s why it’s essential to have a good operation and a well-planned rehabilitation, progressing step by step. At the end of the process, the goal is to minimise that risk as much as possible so that the athlete can return with the best possible chance of success,” he added.

This means there is a possibility Militao will always remain vulnerable, thanks to his hamstring injury, which raises serious question marks about his career going forward.

On that note, Lempainen did offer some encouraging perspective when asked whether he can return to his former level of dominance.

“Yes. I’ve treated many elite athletes with serious hamstring injuries, and they’ve been able to return to their peak performance. Many young players have even had their best years after a serious injury and surgery,” he replied.

Will Militao ever be the same after surgery? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

There is also a broader question about whether Militao’s previous cruciate ligament surgeries played any role in this latest setback. While Lempainen could not speak directly to the defender’s case, he acknowledged a general link.

“We know that an athlete who has suffered a knee injury and undergone cruciate ligament surgery has a slightly higher risk of subsequently suffering a lower-body muscle injury. This is a known fact, but it doesn’t necessarily apply to Militao.”

With Real Madrid players routinely playing upward of 50 matches a season, Lempainen was also asked whether Militao can realistically return to that level of demand.

“Yes, if good work and proper rehabilitation have been done, I think it’s possible. However, it’s important to find a balance between the workload of matches and rest and recovery.

“We know these athletes play in the league, in the Champions League, they travel constantly… All of that must be taken into account.”

Finally, Lempainen said how important it is not to rely immediately on a player who is returning from an injury.

“Our goal is for the player to return to peak performance, and time isn’t the most important factor. If it takes five or six months, what matters is that they can return safely.”

“My philosophy is always the same: we shouldn’t rely on luck when an athlete returns to the game,” he concluded.