Heartbreak for player who returns from ACL injury and injures other ACL 10 minutes into comeback

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Martin Macdonald | Writer

Content writer covering football, formula 1 and movies

In a cruel twist of fate, Hull City player Eliot Matazo returned from a lengthy ACL injury layoff this past weekend and then injured his other knee 10 minutes into his comeback appearance.

In February of 2025, Matazo, who had only joined from Monaco the month before, injured his anterior cruciate ligament in a Championship fixture against Cardiff.

He didn't play for 424 days before eventually making his comeback this past weekend as Hull took on Charlton at the Valley.

Matazo started the match deployed down the right wing but in the 11th minute, he fell to the pitch clutching his knee and his team-mates quickly signalled to the bench to ask for medical assistance.

He bravely looked to shake off whatever the problem was by doing shuttle runs but couldn't continue and was replaced by Paddy McNair.

Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic was informed by the player himself that he didn't believe the injury was too serious, but an MRI scan conducted on Sunday morning showed that he has damaged his left knee, having previously missed over a year due to the injury on his right knee.

“Hull City can confirm that midfielder Eliot Matazo has suffered a second Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury, this time to his right knee," a club statement read.

"The 24-year-old was withdrawn in the early stages of the trip to Charlton Athletic, 14 months after sustaining the same injury to his other knee at Cardiff City in February 2025.

"Everyone at the club sends their best wishes, and we will support Eliot every step of the way throughout his rehabilitation during this difficult period.”

Jakirovic later admitted that starting Matazo had an element of risk but it was decided he would play after consultations with medical staff and the player himself.

On Sunday, Matazo posted on social media about his latest injury setback.

"Difficult to find the words, this one is just above my understanding… I leave it up to God, he knows the why," he posted on Instagram.

"Overcame this injury once, I will do it twice. I thank you all for the messages and prayers.

See you soon, be blessed."

Charlton ended up winning the game 2-1 and the three points ensured their Championship survival. Hull remain in contention for a playoff spot and are only outside the playoff qualification positions due goal difference.

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