Atalanta's rising star, Charles De Ketelaere, faces an estimated four to five-week absence from the pitch following a successful knee operation earlier this week. The procedure addressed a damaged meniscus cartilage, a setback that occurred unexpectedly during pre-match warm-ups. This unfortunate injury will significantly impact Atalanta's upcoming schedule, as they navigate a series of challenging matches without their key player.
The Belgian international was initially slated to start for Atalanta in their recent 2-1 Serie A triumph over Cremonese. However, an issue with his knee during the warm-up necessitated his last-minute withdrawal, with Rafaelle Palladino making a swift change to introduce Lazar Samardzic. This unexpected development led to the medical assessment and subsequent surgical intervention for De Ketelaere.
The club officially confirmed the procedure, stating that Charles De Ketelaere had undergone an arthroscopy of his right knee to perform a selective internal meniscectomy. The surgery, carried out by Professor Ezio Adriani at the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital Foundation IRCCS in Rome, was deemed a complete success. Following the operation, De Ketelaere is expected to commence his rehabilitation program immediately to facilitate his recovery and return to competitive play.
This recovery period means Atalanta will be without De Ketelaere for a demanding sequence of games. His absence will be felt in important fixtures, beginning with a Serie A encounter against Lazio this Saturday. Furthermore, he will miss crucial Champions League play-off matches against Borussia Dortmund over the next two weeks. The list of missed league games also includes clashes with Napoli, Sassuolo, Udinese, and potentially a significant match against Inter. His return will be eagerly awaited by the club and its supporters, as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in various competitions.
Charles De Ketelaere's injury and subsequent surgery mark a challenging period for both the player and Atalanta. The club's official statement underscored the success of the operation and the immediate start of his rehabilitation. Fans and teammates will be hoping for a swift and full recovery, allowing the talented Belgian to rejoin the squad and contribute to their ambitions in the coming months.
