FCSB implements nine-month minimum recovery period for serious knee injuries

FCSB announced a new medical protocol requiring players with serious injuries, such as ACL tears, to rest for at least nine months before returning to action. The club stated that this measure aims to align their recovery standards with those seen in the Premier League, where players typically return after nine or ten months.

Mihai Stoica, the Board President of FCSB, explained that the decision was heavily influenced by the case of defender Mihai Popescu. Popescu suffered a serious knee injury in October 2025 while playing for the national team.

Despite the severity of the injury, Popescu returned to play after only five months. However, he has played zero minutes this season due to new medical problems that emerged following his rapid return to the pitch.

The club has decided that no player will be allowed to return after three, four, five, or six months, regardless of advice from surgeons. This strict rule overrides external medical opinions that might suggest earlier rehabilitation timelines.

Stoica expressed concern regarding suggestions from Professor Mariani, who indicated that players could return three to three and a half months after ACL tears. The FCSB leadership viewed this timeline as risky and opted for a more conservative approach to protect player health.

To support the new policy, Stoica cited Ianis Hagi and Radu Drăgușin as examples of players who rested for nearly a year after suffering similar knee injuries. He noted that these players followed longer recovery paths without adverse effects on their long-term careers.

Stoica also discussed the situation of Ianis Hagi during his time at Rangers with Gică Hagi. These conversations helped reinforce the club's belief that extended rest periods are necessary for full recovery from serious ligament damage.