Disturbing images have surfaced on the internet, laying bare the gruesome aftermath of Marcelo’s challenge on Argentinos Juniors defender Luciano Sanchez during the Copa Libertadores with his latest injury update out
Luciano Sanchez’s encounter with Marcelo of Fluminense, back in his native Brazil, resulted in what some are calling the ‘worst injury ever.’
Luciano Sanchez latest injury update today and return date news as video and photos go viral
Marcelo stretched to retain control of the ball, inadvertently stomping on Sanchez, resulting in a visibly broken leg and a complete dislocation. Following the horrific incident, Marcelo was visibly shaken and left the pitch in tears.
Marcelo accidentally broke Luciano Sanchez's leg in the Libertadores and left the pitch in tearspic.twitter.com/CKImYGqM7w
— Total Football (@TotalFootbol) August 2, 2023
Stark images reveal the severity of Luciano Sanchez’s injury
New images now offer an unfiltered view of the extent of Sanchez’s injury, showcasing X-rays of the dislocation and the 20 pins required to reconstruct his knee. These photos reveal the disturbing reality of this calamity and the daunting recovery that lies ahead for the Argentinos Juniors defender.
Marcelo, deeply affected by the incident, expressed his remorse on social media, stating: “Today, I had to experience a very difficult moment on the pitch. I have inadvertently injured a colleague. I want to wish you the best possible recovery Luciano Sanchez.” He continued “I send you all the strength in the world!”
Stirring a sea of emotions
Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz defended Marcelo, arguing that he didn’t deserve to be sent off and termed the incident as an “unfortunate event”. He further compared the incident to a traffic mishap, emphasizing that Marcelo had no alternative but to place his foot where he did.
Argentinos Juniors reciprocated Marcelo’s sentiment, asserting “We are rivals, not enemies”. This unity in a time of adversity signifies the spirit of sportsmanship that transcends competitive rivalries.
Luciano Sanchez has a long road to recovery
Local media reports suggest that Sanchez faces a recovery period ranging between 12 and 18 months. This serious injury comes as a blow to Argentinos Juniors, who were leading for most of the first leg clash. It was only after Marcelo’s ejection that Fluminense equalized the aggregate at 1-1, thanks to Samuel Xavier Brito’s 87th-minute goal.
As Argentinos Juniors prepare to travel to Brazil for the second leg of the Copa Libertadores, they bear the weight of this incident. Their journey serves as a reminder that the sport, while it is a competition, remains a fraternity where the wellbeing of players is paramount. The football world watches on, hoping for a speedy recovery for Luciano Sanchez and justice for the unfortunate incident.
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