Alarm over Kenan Yildiz's knee: surgery possible

Worrying news has emerged regarding Juventus and Türkiye's young star Kenan Yildiz. According to the reports, the 21-year-old is suffering from a chronic patellar tendinopathy (tendon inflammation) in his knee. The complaint flares up every time physical loading increases, and this months-long picture also seriously affected the national team star's performance at the World Cup; Yildiz is said to have played the tournament with the aid of heavy strapping and painkillers.

The critical date is now clear: currently in a period of enforced rest, Yildiz will return to Turin on July 20 for pre-season preparations. At that point, Juventus' medical staff will assess the knee's latest condition and the player's pain threshold; the club and its medical team will decide the next step together.

The harshest scenario on the table is surgery. Should conservative treatment methods fail to fully resolve the chronic inflammation, an operation involving a clean-up of the tendon and a rigorous rehabilitation process to follow would come onto the agenda; that scenario could mean the owner of the number 10 shirt missing the start of the new season. That is the least desirable outcome for a Juventus side building the plans of its new era around the young star.

The roots of the problem in fact stretch back to last season. Personally requesting a rest before the Lazio match in October and withdrawn in the 58th minute after a quiet display against Atalanta in April, Yildiz nevertheless completed the season with 11 goals and 9 assists in 46 appearances and was the key figure of Türkiye's attack at the World Cup. The decision over the knee of the star, placed at the centre of the future with his new contract and the number 10 on his back, has become the most critical item of Juventus' summer planning.

Source: Tuttosport
Image: Goal