In Spain there are about five million federated athletes. According to a report from the Cemtro clinic, the incidence of cruciate ligament rupture is 76 cases per 100,000 inhabitants annually among women (adults, young people and girls). And 47 per those 100,000 inhabitants in men (adults, young people and children). By a simple rule of three, more than 3,000 athletes of any gender and age (around 1,900 women and 1,175 men) can suffer this terrible injury annually. Which requires them to undergo a recovery process that lasts around nine months, and which can extend to more than a year.
In this immensity of injury victims, Sergio Lozano, captain of Barcelona and the Spanish futsal team, is an example of resilience.
In his long career, the ‘Bufalo’ has suffered four serious knee injuries: rupture of the medial patellofemoral ligament in the right knee (October 24, 2015). Rupture of the cruciate ligament of the right knee (September 21, 2016). Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee (January 15, 2021). And rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee (April 1, 2023).
Operated on April 14, 2023, Sergio Lozano You are about to see the end of the tunnel. In principle, his reappearance is scheduled for when the break resumes, either on February 14 at the Virgen de la Cabeza Pavilion in front of Via Albali Valdepeas. Or three days later, at the Palau Blau Grana against the Noia Portus Apostoli. Which will make him in the best ‘winter signing’ to face the last stretch of the season with the Spanish Cup, the UEFA Futsal Champions and the League as objectives.
It will have been 10 months. That ‘El Bufalo’ will have traveled in which he has gone through all the troubles that a recovery of these characteristics entails. And, with the sad experience of having already lived it up to three times. A great example for those 3,000 sports practitioners who may be forced to follow the same path to continue doing what they love so much.