Chelsea youngster Xavier Mbuyamba reveals he’s walking again after knee surgery WAIT WHAT?!
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2020/9/19/21446699/chelsea-youngster-xavier-mbuyamba-reveals-hes-walking-again-knee-surgery-wait-what
Ummm, excuse me, Xavier, what do you mean “walking again”!?
The young Chelsea defender posted an update on Instagram today, showing him wearing a brace on his right knee and walking on crutches. In the video, he looks absolutely chuffed with his progress.
From personal experience, that’s a knee brace normally used after ACL reconstruction, which would also match his caption, “finally walking again” — it takes a bit to start walking semi-normally again after such a surgery, although more aggressive modern therapeutic methods have continued to reduce that period of absolute non-activity to minimize atrophy and jump-start recovery.
It’s unclear how or when or even exactly why Mbuyamba had to have surgery; his update was a complete surprise, though one that does explain why he hadn’t been seen for the U23s since signing as a free agent this summer.
The 18-year-old spent last season at Barcelona, after his move to Chelsea last summer fell through because of the transfer ban. Now he’s here, but it looks like we’ll have to wait a bit longer to see him in action, even for the reserves. Fortunately, he’s young and modern surgical and recovery protocols usually ensure a full and complete recovery from ACL injuries.
Good luck and speedy recovery, young one!