Udinese winger Gerard Deulofeu is engaged in what he describes as potentially “the most difficult recovery in history” from a devastating knee injury, a challenge compounded by a subsequent infection that threatened to end his career. The 31-year-old Spaniard, who hasn’t played a competitive match since January 2023, is meticulously rebuilding his body and spirit with the hope of returning to professional football, ideally with the Italian club that has supported his arduous rehabilitation.
The initial injury, an ACL rupture sustained against Napoli, would have been a significant setback in itself. Deulofeu had successfully recovered from a previous ACL tear while at Watford in 2020, demonstrating a resilience that fueled his initial optimism. However, the surgery intended to repair the damage led to an infection that began to erode the cartilage in his knee, leaving him with a grim prognosis of bone grinding on bone.
“You do the surgery and you change your ACL, your system, and you do a progressive recovery,” Deulofeu explained. “But the problem was the infection.” He acknowledges he wasn’t “the luckiest person,” but maintains a remarkably upbeat outlook despite the immense physical and emotional toll.
Deulofeu’s journey hasn’t been undertaken in isolation. He’s drawn inspiration from fellow Spaniard Santi Cazorla, who overcame a prolonged and debilitating battle with Achilles tendon issues. Cazorla was sidelined for 636 days due to gangrene, and his successful return serves as a powerful example of what’s possible with unwavering determination. “It is an amazing example,” Deulofeu said. “To imagine how he suffered in these two and a half years, I can feel it now.”
The recovery process has been multi-faceted. Deulofeu underwent cell treatment aimed at rebuilding the lost cartilage, but a setback during a return to running forced him to recalibrate. “My knee needed to heal,” he stated simply. “To train hard, first you have to heal.” Almost two years later, and continuing with injections as part of the cell treatment, he believes he’s nearing a point where he can attempt to run again.
Currently, Deulofeu’s regimen involves an intense focus on strength training. For six months, he’s been dedicating three to four hours each morning, five days a week, at Udinese’s Stadio Friuli, building “muscle, muscle, muscle” under the guidance of a physio and fitness trainer. “Let’s see if I can accept impact,” he says, cautiously optimistic. “I am so happy because I feel the leg is really strong. The more muscle you get, the less pain you have inside the knee, so now I feel that, yes, my knee is prepared to run.”
Despite the progress, significant uncertainties remain. Deulofeu acknowledges the challenge of returning to play without the benefit of a fully intact meniscus or cartilage. “But let’s see how they respond, with no cartilage and no meniscus…” he admitted.
There were moments, Deulofeu confessed, when he considered giving up. However, he credits a strong support system and a positive home life with providing the motivation to persevere. “There are three really important things,” he explained. “One, for sure, is family and home. To try to go ahead with this period, first of all your home has to be with peace and love every morning.” He emphasized the importance of “happiness, seeing your kids growing, with your wife, really good peace and love at home” in maintaining a positive mindset and fueling his daily training.
Deulofeu’s contract with Udinese expired in mid-January, making him a free agent. However, he continues to train with the team, maintaining a strong connection to the club and the city. He clearly hopes to resume his career with Udinese, repaying the support he’s received throughout his recovery. His dedication extends beyond the pitch; he recently participated in a conference showcasing Udinese’s sustainability programs, highlighting their installation of 2,400 solar panels in cooperation with sponsor Bluenergy.
While the road ahead remains arduous, Deulofeu’s unwavering commitment and the support of those around him offer a glimmer of hope. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of family, and the enduring passion for the game that continues to drive him forward, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. He is aiming for a comeback that he believes could be unprecedented in its difficulty and, its historical significance.
