Turkish international midfielder Yusuf Yazıcı is facing another significant setback in his career after suffering a third anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The 29-year-old, who plays for Greek club Olympiakos, sustained the tear during a training session on Thursday, according to reports from the club and local media.
The injury occurred in the same right knee that has previously caused him considerable problems. Yazıcı reported discomfort to the medical staff following the practice, and subsequent examinations confirmed the devastating diagnosis of an ACL rupture. This latest blow means the attacking midfielder will be sidelined for an extended period, dealing a major blow to both the player and his club.
This marks the third time in Yazıcı's professional career that he has suffered this specific type of knee injury. His first ACL tear happened while he was playing for French side Lille on December 21, 2019. The second occurred much more recently, during his very first match for Olympiakos against Asteras AKTOR on October 27, 2024, which forced him to miss a large portion of the current season.
The recurrence of the injury in the same knee is particularly concerning for the player's long-term prospects. Olympiakos has expressed its full support for the midfielder during this difficult time. The club's official Instagram account posted a message of encouragement, writing, "Stay strong and get well soon Yusuf," highlighting the solidarity within the team.
Yazıcı's treatment and rehabilitation will be managed by Olympiakos's medical team. The club confirmed that his recovery process is now underway under their supervision. For a player of his quality and experience, repeated serious injuries represent a major challenge, and the football world will be hoping for a successful recovery.
The news has sent shockwaves through the Olympiakos squad and the wider Turkish football community. Yazıcı, originally from Trabzon, has been an important figure for the Turkish national team, and his absence will be felt on multiple fronts. The timeline for his return remains uncertain, but ACL injuries typically require many months of recovery.
Based on reporting from Hürriyet.