The Rise of ACL Injuries: 9 football stars who are already out of the season

• ACL injuries have sidelined top players in the 2024/25 season, with notable names across leagues, including the EPL, impacted
• High-profile players like Éder Militao and Rodri face lengthy recoveries, raising concerns about the demanding football schedule
• TheRadar has compiled a list of 9 top players impacted by this injury

The 2024/2025 football season has seen a troubling surge in ACL injuries, sidelining top talents across major leagues. The ACL, popular as one of the most devastating injuries for footballers, is a tear that often spells lengthy recovery, with a severe impact on player’s careers. 

A wave of high-profile players, such as Real Madrid’s Éder Militao, Galatasaray’s Icardi, and Man City’s Rodri have fallen victim recently, raising concerns about the toll of hectic match schedules on player health. 

As the 2024/2025 season continues, ACL injuries have become a grim headline, which proves beyond doubt the need for a closer look at how the present football schedule may be affecting players.

Rodri, Icardi, 7 other players out with ACL injury 

TheRadar has compiled a list of players out with ACL injury this season:

1. Éder Militao

Real Madrid defender Éder Militão faced a devastating setback on November 9, rupturing his right ACL just over a year after tearing his left ACL. In Real Madrid’s 4-0 victory over Osasuna at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the 26-year-old Brazil international collapsed in visible agony, covering his face with his jersey as medics carried him off the field in the first half. 

This injury could sideline him for nine months, dealing a blow to both Real Madrid and his international side, France. Militão’s return from his previous ACL tear last season had been a triumphant one, helping Madrid secure La Liga and Champions League victories.

2. Dani Carvajal

In another tough blow to Real Madrid’s defence, star right-back Dani Carvajal suffered a knee injury during their 2-0 victory over Villarreal on October 5. Carvajal had to be stretchered off in stoppage time after a collision with Yermy Pino, clutching his knee and urgently signalling for assistance. Due to the late timing of the incident, Los Blancos were forced to finish the game with 10 men, unable to bring on a substitute.

Following medical assessments, Real Madrid confirmed the full extent of Carvajal’s injuries, detailing that he sustained a torn ACL, ruptured external collateral ligament, and popliteus tendon damage in his right leg. 

This injury rules him out for the foreseeable future, with Carvajal’s absence posing a major defensive setback for Madrid, especially as other squad members, including star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, are also sidelined. Having played in 11 matches this season, Carvajal was also expected to represent Spain in upcoming international fixtures.

3. Rodrigo Hernández

Manchester City midfielder Rodrigo Hernández, known as Rodri, will miss the rest of the season after undergoing ACL surgery on Friday, September 27. The Spain international also suffered meniscus damage in his right knee, which he injured during City’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal on September 22. 

ACL recovery can stretch from six months to a year, potentially putting a dent in City's pursuit of a fifth consecutive Premier League title. Rodri's impact on the team is undeniable; last season, City lost only one of the 50 games he played, but without him, they lost four out of nine games. Currently, Man City are on a 4-game losing streak across all competitions for the first time since Pep Guardiola took over as manager, most likely due to injuries which have plagued a number of the first-team players.

4. Gianluca Scamacca

Atalanta’s star striker Gianluca Scamacca was dealt a severe blow after tearing his ACL earlier in the season, sidelining him for six to seven months. The 25-year-old Italian forward sustained the injury during a pre-season match against Parma at Stadio Ennio Tardini. 

Scamacca’s left knee twisted awkwardly when his studs caught on the turf, forcing him off the pitch in visible distress. His absence is a major setback for Atalanta, who were relying on his talents ahead of their UEFA Super Cup showdown with Real Madrid on August 14.

5. Hamari Traoré

Real Sociedad faced a painful setback as Hamari Traoré suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture during a 0-0 draw with Getafe on September 1. The injury, confirmed on September 2, is expected to sideline the defender for most of the 2024-25 season. Traoré’s plight adds to an alarming pattern for Real Sociedad, who have now seen six ACL injuries among their players in just three years.

The unfortunate trend began in the summer of 2021 with Carlos Fernández, followed by captain Mikel Oyarzabal in early 2022. Later that year, Umar Sadiq endured a similar fate against Getafe, shortly after joining from Almería. Traoré’s injury compounds the team’s struggles, raising serious concerns about the club’s ongoing injury misfortunes.

6. Thierry Correia

Valencia’s defensive lineup took a major hit as full-back Thierry Correia was ruled out for the rest of the 2024/25 season following an ACL injury in his left knee. The club confirmed on Monday that Correia sustained the injury early in the second half of Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Getafe. 

Scans revealed the full extent of the damage, bringing an end to his season after nine starts in 11 appearances. Correia’s absence leaves Valencia leaning on their defensive depth to cover his important role in the lineup for the months ahead.

7. Marc-André ter Stegen

Barcelona's star goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is set for an extended absence following a serious knee injury sustained during a La Liga match against Villarreal. The 32-year-old, who recently claimed Germany’s starting goalkeeper position from Manuel Neuer, ruptured his right patella tendon while attempting to catch a high ball in Barcelona’s 5-1 victory. 

In a statement, Barcelona said, “Tests confirm a complete rupture of the patella tendon in his right knee.” Ter Stegen’s injury is a blow for both club and country, as the keeper had been enjoying a stellar season since taking on a more prominent role for Germany.

8. Gleison Bremer

Juventus defender Gleison Bremer underwent surgery following an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained during Juventus' thrilling 3-2 Champions League win over RB Leipzig on October 2. 

The 27-year-old Brazilian, who had been a regular starter in Juve’s Serie A campaign with an impressive record of playing every minute and helping the team maintain clean sheets across six matches, was forced off just six minutes into the game. Federico Gatti who joined Juventus in 2022 stepped in to replace Bremer and has quickly established himself in the team.

9. Mauro Icardi

Galatasaray confirmed that Mauro Icardi suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his right knee during the Europa League match against Tottenham on November 7.

The injury occurred when Icardi pressed Tottenham’s goalkeeper Fraser Forster late in the game. Attempting to intercept the ball, Icardi made an awkward movement with his knee and fell to the ground in pain. Medics attended to him, but he was unable to continue and was replaced by Michy Batshuayi. 

The 31-year-old Argentine has undergone surgery and is expected to be in recovery for several months.

Osimhen nears return to action after injury layoff

Previously, TheRadar reported that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was getting closer to a much-anticipated return to the pitch as he resumed training with Galatasaray, in a bid to be match-fit ahead of the team's fixture following the October international break. 

The Nigerian star, whose explosive performances had been sorely missed, did not feature for the Turkish champions since being taken off at halftime in the thrilling 3-3 draw against Kasimpasa due to a muscle injury on September 28.