It was minute 28 of the away match against
Betis when Cicinho hit the ground after deflecting a pass and started
making clear signs of extreme pain. Although it orginally looked like it
might have been the ball that hit him, it was obvious seconds later that
it was something far more serious. The first medical tests performed
on-site by Doctor Hernández confirm our worst fears as he suspects that
the fullback might have acutely torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
of his right knee. The Brazilian player will undergo new tests and scans
on Sunday to determine the extent and seriousness of the injury and
check if this is the only knee injury he sustained this evening. If the
initial diagnosis is confirmed, the player is set for a six-to-eight
month recovery period.
Meanwhile, Roberto Carlos' left sinus had to be stitched up after
sustaining an elbow blow from Betis defender Juanito inside the box of
the Whites. The Madridista fullback had to leave the pitch on the mobile
stretcher one minute before the final whistle because he was getting
dizzy.