Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain to undergo surgery
Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain is set to undergo surgery for the slipped disc that has kept him out of action since the end of November.
“The persistence of pain and of the herniated disc moved experts to advise surgery as the next step,” said a statement by Real Madrid. “This decision has been accepted by the player, his family and the club. The conservative
treatment has been good for the player's biomechanics.
“The work done till now will allow for an easier surgical procedure, better post-operational results and a shorter rehabilitation period. It has been agreed by all the aforementioned parties that a decision will be reached
within the next 48 hours regarding the medical centre where the operation will take place and the surgeon who will perform it.”
It is not known how long after the surgery Higuain will have to be out, but he is not expected to play again this season. This will be a huge loss for Real Madrid, for whom the 23-year-old striker is a potent weapon who has scored
many vital goals. In 2009-10, Higuain scored 29 goals in 39 appearances and this season, he has scored 10 goals in 18 appearances for Los Blancos along with three assists.
The former River Plate striker combined well with Cristiano Ronaldo, and it will be hard for manager Jose Mourinho to find a replacement. But he is confident that his team will be able to adapt.
“Kaka was missing from our side for six months, and we were able to create a certain squad,” he said. “Now, we must create another minus Higuain. The formation must adapt to the circumstances, and we must create an equilibrium
knowing that we have many matches still to play.”
Real Madrid are currently in second place in La Liga, two points behind archrivals Barcelona, and have qualified for the second round of the UEFA Champions League after an unbeaten group stage campaign enabled the
team to finish top of their group. The team is competing on all fronts so it is vital to find a replacement for Higuain as soon as possible. Karim Benzema tried to fill in his boots but has failed to impress the fans or the manager.
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