Moroccan Winger Akhomach Details Recovery from Severe Knee Injury

"On November 9th, I suffered a ligament injury. I’m going to tell you my story... I went through very difficult times, but today I’m in the recovery phase. I’m on a specific rehabilitation program, combining targeted exercises, physiotherapy sessions and gym training. [...]," said Ilias Akhomach in an interview with the club’s official channel. That day, he was substituted due to injury during the Villarreal match against Deportivo Alaves after scoring his first goal in La Liga in the 38th minute. He is the victim of a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee that will keep him off the pitch for six to eight months.

A blow for the 20-year-old player. "Something in me continued to hope that it wasn’t serious. I was with my older brother and we both thought it was nothing. But when the doctors finished the tests and told me I had torn my cruciate ligament, it all hit me at once. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I remained silent. [...] My brother and I were there, and neither of us said a word for five to ten minutes," he confided. The wait for the test results was difficult for him. "It was the hardest moment because I was thinking about everything. I was hoping it wasn’t serious, but when I found out, I felt very depressed. That day was really hard for me."

Ilias also expressed his feelings after the cruciate ligament surgery he underwent. "The pain was strong after the operation, but after two weeks I started to feel better, even though I was discouraged. Working has helped me get through this period. But the hardest thing is to watch my teammates on the field without being able to be by their side." The player received the support of his club, his teammates, and his family during this painful period. "My teammates encourage me to progress. [...] Having my family, my parents and my brothers and sisters by my side has helped me a lot. Life gives you things and takes others away. For now, I’ve lost time doing what I love the most, but in the end, you learn from these experiences," he continued.

Currently, Ilias continues his rehabilitation and promises to come back stronger than ever on the pitch.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DFvNHj-IswI/?hl=fr