Four weeks into his rehabilitation from ACL surgery and Colombia’s superstar forward Radamel Falcao has taken to social media with photos and videos of what soccer fans around the world hope is the start of a speedy recovery.
“I left the crutches and now I am learning to walk again,” said Falcao on his Twitter posing with a mock-soccer ball and sporting a seemingly swollen knee.
Hoy #4semanas de rehabilitación . deje las muletas y ahora aprendiendo a caminar de nuevo. http://t.co/6WY5RA0e9h
— Radamel Falcao (@FALCAO) February 23, 2014
January 22 might have been the ‘snap’ heard ’round the world — or the snap heard ’round Colombia, at least — when, during a French Cup match between Falcao’s AS Monaco and Chasselay, “El Tigre” was taken down from behind in a reckless and clumsy challenge that tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
The initial assumptions were that, given the seriousness of his injury and the time typically spent in rehab, Falcao’s prospects for Brazil 2014, Colombia’s first World Cup since 1998, were all but nonexistent.
MORE: ACL tear confirmed, Falcao likely sidelined for World Cup
Since then, a steady outpour of wistful speculation has been building around the Colombian captain’s week-by-week recovery.
MORE: ‘The World Cup is still far away:’ Falcao Doctor keeps hope alive for Brazil
MORE: Falcao says he’s not out of the picture for World Cup 2014
While most say that an ACL tear like his takes at least six months to heal, what is clear is that El Tigre is doing his utmost to keep his and his fans’ spirits high. Though the newly posted video of his stitched up knee and virtually immobile left foot might induce more cringing than hope.
Día #21 sábado entrenamiento a doble jornada , acá un resumen. http://t.co/8Qco1QXVMa
— Radamel Falcao (@FALCAO) February 15, 2014
As rumors regarding his potential replacement continues to swirl, not everyone has given up on El Tigre, least of all himself.
MORE: Falcao or no, don’t sleep on Colombia