Paquetá out of the round of 16 of the World Cup after confirmed muscle injury to the back of his thigh
Lucas Paquetá, midfielder for the Brazilian national team, will not participate in the round of 16 of the World Cup, after tests detected a grade 2 muscle injury in the back of his thigh. The decisive match will be played next Sunday (5), and the athlete’s absence was confirmed this Tuesday (30).
This type of problem occurs due to the rupture, total or partial, of the fibers that make up the body’s muscles. It generally results from excessive physical exertion or sudden overload on the muscles.
The posterior region of the thigh, which includes the gluteus and biceps femoris, is often affected by these injuries. Experts indicate that sudden movements and high-intensity efforts contribute to the occurrence of these problems.
Orthopedic doctor Eduardo Ramalho, a specialist in sports trauma, explains that the muscles in the back of the thigh are subjected to great tension during rapid movements, increasing their vulnerability to injuries.
The incident occurred last Monday (29), during the final minutes of the first half of the match against Japan. Paquetá demonstrated discomfort, placing his hand on the back of his thigh and having difficulty moving.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) informed that the athlete will undergo a rigorous intensive treatment protocol. The Brazilian team’s medical team will closely monitor the process, seeking an agile recovery and return to activities in the shortest possible time.
There is still no set date for the player’s return to the pitch. Normally, recovery from muscle injuries requires a few weeks for complete treatment, before the athlete is able to compete again.
Understanding muscle fiber injuries
The muscular structures of the human body are made up of countless fibers, which act like flexible elastic bands. When the demand placed on a muscle exceeds its support capacity, some of these fibers can rupture, resulting in an injury.
Mário Lenza, orthopedist at Einstein Hospital Israelita, details that the coordinated functioning of muscle fibers is fundamental for the production of movement and strength in the body.
The specialist adds that, in moments of extreme effort such as sudden sprints, sudden changes in direction, intense accelerations or muscular overload, certain fibers may not resist the applied tension.
In the high-performance sports scenario, the risk of injuries is increased by several factors, including the dense sequence of matches, the accumulation of physical wear, muscle fatigue, the short recovery period between games and the previous history of injuries, according to the doctor.
Classification degrees of muscle injuries
Orthopedist Eduardo Ramalho explains that muscle injuries are categorized into three main degrees, varying depending on the extent of the damage:
- Grade 1: It is characterized by a slight stretching of muscle fibers. Although it can cause swelling and sensitivity, it does not compromise the ability to move.
- Grade 2: Involves partial rupture of muscle fibers. Symptoms include moderate pain and a partial decrease in the strength and functionality of the affected area.
- Grade 3: Represents the total rupture of the muscle or its separation from the tendon. At this stage, the loss of muscle function is almost complete.
Clinical indicators and manifestations vary depending on the intensity of the injury and may include:
- Pain or tenderness in the region
- Redness or the appearance of bruises
- Restriction in range of movements
- Involuntary muscle spasms
- Local swelling
- Reduced muscle strength
Treatment options and recovery times
For partially torn muscle injuries, initial treatment focuses on relieving pain, controlling inflammation, and reducing edema. Subsequently, a gradual phase of restoration of muscle function begins, which includes physiotherapy, strengthening exercises and physical reconditioning.
Ramalho warns about the need for special care in the thigh region, which has a high rate of injury recurrence. He explains that although the pain may subside quickly, the muscle takes longer to regain the ability to safely withstand explosive loads.
The recovery period is quite individual, varying considerably between athletes. In general terms, return to activities usually occurs between four and eight weeks, depending on the severity and precise location of the muscle tear.
The concern about the athlete’s premature return to competitions is constant, aiming to avoid complications.
The orthopedist emphasizes that the main danger of an early return is the recurrence of the injury. A muscle that has not yet fully recovered its resistance becomes extremely susceptible to a new tear, which can be more severe than the original.
Paquetá’s participation in the World Cup is still uncertain
Even with the confirmation of his absence in the round of 16 of the World Cup, experts emphasize that it is hasty to determine whether the player will be completely out of the competition. The condition of a short-shooting tournament like the World Cup exacerbates the difficulty of recovering in a timely manner for later phases, creating an extra challenge for the medical team and the athlete.
Mário Lenza states that participation will depend on Paquetá’s clinical evolution in the coming weeks. He reinforces that, in cases of muscle injuries, the biggest concern is the risk of a new injury if the athlete returns to the field before a complete recovery.
