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We’re delighted to welcome injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the injury situation at Everton...
Everton defender Ruben Vinagre will not be able to return this season as he’s out with a long-term Achilles concern, claims Dr Rajpal Brar.
The injury expert claims that he may even require surgery as his condition with normal physiotherapy does not seem to be improving.
If he’s out with a mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy, it will require a three-step procedure and the timeline can vary after that.
Speaking exclusively with Goodison News, Brar, a specialist in Physical Therapy and Sports Scientist, said, “This sounds like an Achilles tendinopathy based on the long-term nature and it’s less of a realisation that he may need surgery rather than a natural course of the plan of care where if a player isn’t improving with physio then surgery can be an option.
“The timeline here is quite difficult to discern because it depends on the specific Achilles problem that is going on and then the type of procedure decided on.
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“Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy alone could involve a debridement, a tenotomy, augmentation with a different tendon, etc all of which come with differing timelines [all beyond May].
“Regardless of the procedure, the physio afterwards will entail improving mobility, strength, neuromuscular control and returning to gait mechanics.
“A key consideration with tendons is building up their elasticity as tendons – especially the Achilles – absorb and release energy like a rubber band.“
Along with Seamus Coleman, Dele Alli and Andros Townsend, Vinagre is now set to be ruled out for the season, adding to Sean Dyche’s injury woes.
Vinagre hasn’t quite adapted to life at Goodison Park since moving on loan from Sporting CP and it remains to be seen what the future holds for him.