Star’s injury a concern for Tottenham Hotspur, but likely not serious

Different teams have been impacted differently by players’ injuries at the World Cup; however, it sounds like Tottenham’s star midfielder avoided the worst.

Beyond the break in the rhythm and schedule of a season, the risk of injuries is undoubtedly a major concern for clubs with players at the World Cup. While injuries happen, the big question becomes how severe they are for the player. Fortunately for Tottenham, and Rodrigo Bentancur, if reports are to be believed, the Uruguayan midfielder has avoided the worst-case scenario with his injury.

Bentancur picked up the knock in the first half of Uruguay’s final tournament game. It was immediately obvious this was more serious than something he could walk off as Lolo was substituted soon after that, just 34 minutes into the game.

The injury was an unfortunate way to end a strong tournament for the midfielder, who was outstanding. As Bentancur sat dejected with his countryman pondering elimination, you had to wonder just how injured Spurs’ star midfielder was.

Based on reports, Bentancur and Tottenham have avoided the worst

Like any muscle injury, abductor injuries come in different grades, and based on the reported recovery time, Bentancur is getting a passing grade. There are four grades of abductor injuries, ranging from 0 – no finding on an MRI – to a 3 – complete tear of the muscle.

Based on a clinical study of adult male athletes, there was no distinction in the return time for a player with a grade 0, 1, or 2 strain. In those instances, the median return to full team training was 18 days.

Although 18 days is shorter than the estimated three-four weeks, the recovery length is within the range of return to full team training, which varies from 14 to 27 days for a grade 2 strain. Bentancur may be on the far end of a grade 2 strain, but we know it is not a grade three.

Based on the research, grade three strings took a median of 55 days to be pain-free and 78 days to return to full team training. Thus given the reported month maximum for Lolo, we know he has avoided a tear and hopefully will be back early in the new year.

Tottenham plays Brentford on Boxing Day, which may be too soon for Bentancur to return, but the three games in seven days to start the New Year could be when we see our favorite South American midfielder back in action.

Until then, we should be thankful the injury was not worse and hope no other players pick up any other knocks.