Lasse Lempainen, the surgeon who operated on Leonardo Spinazzola, expects the Roma full back to return before the end of the season.
The 29-year-old Italian left back suffered an Achilles tendon rupture in Italy’s Euro 2020 win over Belgium last summer, ending both of his tournament and year early. He has been carrying out a slow recovery process since then, which included surgery last summer. The Giallorossi man recently received positive news after meeting with Lempainen in Finland earlier this week.
Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, Lempainen first discussed the recent checks carried out on Spinazzola.
“They went very well. All the tests gave positive indications, stability, resistance, speed. I’d like to thank the Roma staff for their work. The cooperation was excellent. And it wasn’t to be taken for granted.”
He estimated when Spinazzola would be able to return to action for Roma.
“It’s not up to me to say. But I think you’ll see him back by the end of the season. Now he can start training with the team to find the best athletic condition.
“Maybe he won’t play 90 minutes straight away, normally you start gradually, 10-15 minutes per game.”
The surgeon suggested that the Roma full back would return stronger than before following the long recovery.
“We’ve worked hard for this. In fact, I’m convinced that he can come back even better than before. In our process, which as you know has been long and thorough, we have studied every element of the body to prevent other types of injury.
“For example, those of a muscular nature. Of course, we will remain in contact with Roma to constantly exchange information and follow the evolution of Leonardo’s career.”
Finally, Lempainen discussed the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and highlighted the severity of Spinazzola’s injury.
“After such a serious accident for an athlete, only the right mental approach would allow you to recover to the maximum.
“But we mustn’t be in a hurry because the Achilles tendon rupture was total in his case, not partial.”
The 29-year-old Spinazzola was one of the stars of the Azzurri’s Euro 2020 campaign last summer and his absence was heavily felt as the side failed to qualify for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.