The doctor for Colombia’s national soccer team is optimistic about the prospects of a speedy recovery for injured striker Radamel Falcao Garcia, saying that while many have counted Falcao out, “[Brazil’s 2014 World Cup] is still far away, and we cannot know exactly what will happen in these five months.” “Falcao is in great shape, he is working on his recovery, and he is demonstrating a lot of tenacity and will power in the process.” said the “Cafeteros'” doctor, Carlos Ulloa.
“Through the work that we are doing, we are trying to achieve the best possible way…for [Falcao] to recuperate…as soon as possible,” the doctor continued in an interview with radio station, Caracol Radio, “But in this moment, it is not easy to say [when] he is going to be [a full player again].”
Falcao, who plays his club soccer at France’s AS Monaco FC, was carried off of the field during a French Cup match against Chasselay last week after being taken down from behind with a reckless challenge. It was not until Thursday morning that the news of a torn ACL reached Colombia.
MORE: ACL tear confirmed, Falcao likely sidelined for World Cup
“El Tigre” underwent surgery in Portugal this past Saturday under the supervision of a world expert on ACL-related injuries. All signs pointed to a successful surgery, and as things stand now, Ulloa is neither ruling out nor promising the possibility that the Colombian will be ready prior to June’s World Cup.
“Fortunately, there has not been that much pain. He has been calm but yes, it is a painful process in the soul…there is an illusion to be able to go to [Brazil] and it will take him a lot of work to in order for these possibilities to happen,” said Ulloa.
Falcao himself has been the most optimistic about the healing process, asking his fans around the world not to count him out just yet.
MORE: Falcao says he’s not out of the picture for World Cup 2014
ACL surgeries typically require around six months of total recovery time, and even then, it often takes a while before a player can return to full speed. The World Cup begins in less than five months, on June 12, and will be over by mid-July.
Falcao began light rehab the very afternoon of the surgery, in the hope of maintaining muscle in his leg, according to Ulloa, who said recovery will be achieved “little by little.”