Trek Factory Racing have reported that Andy Schleck’s knee injury is more severe than initially suspected, reporting partial ruptures in the collateral and cruciate ligaments, a torn meniscus and an injury to the articular cartilage. Schleck sustained the injury during a crash in London on Monday, but still travelled to northern France in an effort to start stage four of the Tour de France. The pain proved too severe and he travelled to Switzerland for a proper diagnosis.
Speaking in a Trek Factory Racing press release team doctor Andreas Gösele said: “Besides the ligaments and the meniscus, we can also confirm that the cartilage behind the knee cap is damaged, which is the worst and most painful part of Andy’s injury. The surgeons have removed a part of the meniscus and have arthroscopically shaved the damaged cartilage. In terms of rehab he cannot put load on his knee for at least two weeks, so crutches will be necessary.”
It’s just the latest in a long line of setbacks for Andy Schleck after fracturing his pelvis during the 2012 Critérium du Dauphiné. He is understandably upset about it: “I’m feeling pretty bad, to understate it. I’m gutted. My knee looks like there’s been an explosion inside. I’ll be on crutches for at least two week and from there on we will see. I cannot ask for a detailed time line right now, and that is hard to deal with. There’s nothing else I can do. Acceptance is the first step of my rehab and I’m working on that now. There’s lots of work to be done before I’ll be back, but I’m used to fighting back.”