Argentina’s Alan Velasco awaits ACL knee injury surgery
Argentina international and FC Dallas star Alan Velasco suffered an ACL tear in his MLS playoff match vs the Seattle Sounders, two months after his first Argentina call-up.
In the first minute of action against the Seattle Sounders in their playoff game Monday evening, Velasco went down after sliding into a challenge towards the ball with two oncoming defenders. The injury was neither sustained due to an opponent or the ball, just an unlucky challenge.
READ ALSOMLS Newcomer of the Year award: Messi losses to Giakoumakis
Velasco is one of the brightest up-and-coming prospects in all of Major League Soccer, and was even touted for a potential move abroad this offseason. The injury puts a major dent in the plans of the 21-year-old Argentine, and FC Dallas, who now have an even bigger hill to climb this postseason.
“Everyone is sad because Alan is a lovely kid, we all love him, not only for what he brings on the field but off the field he’s an amazing guy and teammate,” said head coach Nico Estévez. “It’s the worst part sports, when any player gets injured. Now, we have to think about his recovery.”
READ ALSO NPFL: Lobi Stars halt Rangers unbeaten runs
“The doctors found out that he has an ACL tear, and now they’re managing a little bit of the timing when he’s gonna get surgery,” said Estevez. “He needs to do some things before to prepare his knee to get ready for the surgery, but as soon we can, we can we would like to do the surgery.”