EFL star's ACL comeback ends after 10 minutes after suffering ACL injury in other leg

Callum Vurley
Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:27:18 +0000

Hull City have confirmed that Eliot Matazo has sustained a second anterior cruciate ligament injury, this time affecting his right knee.

The devastating blow came merely 11 minutes into the Belgian midfielder's return to competitive action at Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

The 24-year-old had been sidelined for 14 months following ACL damage to his left knee, which he suffered during a match at Cardiff City in February 2025.

His comeback lasted just over ten minutes before he collapsed near the Tigers' penalty area, prompting teammates to immediately call for medical assistance.

The club stated they would provide full support throughout his rehabilitation during this difficult period.

Manager Sergej Jakirovic acknowledged before the fixture that selecting Matazo for such a significant match carried considerable risk.

Following consultation with both the player and medical staff, the decision was deemed a calculated gamble worth taking.

That gamble proved costly. After receiving treatment on the pitch, Matazo attempted to test his fitness with shuttle runs along the touchline before briefly returning to play.

However, he was unable to continue and Paddy McNair came on as his replacement.

The club can confirm that Eliot Matazo has suffered a second anterior cruciate ligament injury, this time to his right knee.

We're all with you, Eliot 🧡#hcafc pic.twitter.com/6gu6Q1Ox7A
— Hull City (@HullCity) April 27, 2026

The midfielder had initially indicated to Jakirovic that the injury did not feel serious. Hull went on to lose the crucial encounter 2-1, extending their winless run to six matches.

Matazo's time at Hull has been plagued by misfortune since his arrival from Monaco at the start of 2025. The Belgian managed just six appearances for the club, with his first ACL injury occurring only 24 days after scoring on his debut.

He becomes the fourth Hull player to suffer such an injury in fewer than 18 months, joining Liam Millar and Mohamed Belloumi on the lengthy casualty list.

The Tigers now face a decisive final day showdown at home to Norwich City, with their play-off aspirations hanging in the balance.

Hull and Wrexham are locked on identical points, though the Welsh side hold a slender advantage on goal difference. Norwich arrive in strong form, having lost just four of their previous 18 league fixtures.