Surgeon: Zanetti 'will certainly play again'

By Football Italia staff

Javier Zanetti has completed the operation on a torn Achilles tendon and the surgeon is confident the Inter captain “will certainly play again” in six months.

There were initial fears the injury could keep him out of action for eight months, potentially ending the career of the man who turns 40 in August.

“The tear in the Achilles tendon has been repaired, reinserting another tendon from his leg,” explained Doctor Francesco Benazzo at the clinic in Pavia.

“The operation lasted for 60-75 minutes, it all went perfectly. I just spoke to his wife now and we all know he is an important player for people all over the world.

“Now Javier will spend three weeks with his foot immobilised, then a second phase in which he will start walking. We expect a period of six months for a full recovery, as shown by recent examples.”

When asked how Zanetti had prepared for the operation, Doctor Benazzo smiled.

“Have you ever seen captain Zanetti looking shaken? He was relaxed, nothing to worry about. He will remain in the clinic until Thursday, then I’ll keep an eye on him at the Appiano Gentile training ground and at his home.

“He will certainly play again. He proved his physique is in great shape, even at his age. There is the risk of losing muscular strength due to the period of immobilisation, but the Inter medical staff have been able to get players in worse condition back on their feet.

“Yesterday Zanetti arrived at the clinic and said he needed a tyre change. That’s the kind of attitude he has.”

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