Palacios fights for a World Cup chance: return after long rehab in sight!
Bayer Leverkusen's Exequiel Palacios is in rehab fighting to return to the 2026 World Cup.

Palacios fights for a World Cup chance: return after long rehab in sight!
Exequiel Palacios, the 27-year-old Bayer Leverkusen professional, is in full rehabilitation and fighting for his return to the pitch. After an unfortunate incident in the game against Eintracht Frankfurt on September 12, 2023, in which he sustained a serious muscle and tendon injury in the right adductor area, he will need around three months to be ready to play again. How Sports picture According to reports, he plans to give up his crutches this week or next and is currently undergoing rehabilitation in the club's own “Werkstatt” center in the BayArena.
The injury happened immediately after his return from the national team and is a good example of the challenges that many professional athletes have to overcome during rehabilitation. According to the German Society for Muscle Diseases, targeted therapy is crucial for muscle and tendon injuries. It is recommended to use conservative treatment options such as physiotherapy and pain therapy to restore muscle strength and functionality. The DGM emphasizes that an experienced treatment team is necessary to address individual symptoms and maintain the patient's independence.
The way back to the national team
Palacios has big goals in mind. He really wants to be part of the Argentina national team at the 2026 World Cup and sees his return to the team as a great motivation. His impressive performance last season, when he played a key role in Bayer Leverkusen's double win, not only earned him a long-term contract until 2030, but also secured the club's trust. As sports boss Simon Rolfes reveals, Palacios is an invaluable asset to the team.
But the way back is not easy. Muscle and tendon injuries are often challenging and their treatment requires a structured approach. As the Sports Doctors Newspaper emphasizes, biomechanical disruptive factors must be taken into account during therapy. Physiotherapeutic measures are essential to ensure that the injured player is not only symptomatically healed, but also regains the optimal biomechanical function of his muscles.
It's not just the physical but also the psychological challenges that Palacios has to overcome. Returning to routine and training after a serious injury is often as stressful as the game itself. Rehab can help regain both physical and mental strength, ensuring professional athletes are ready to perform at their best as soon as they can get back on the field.
Exequiel Palacios has big plans. Rehabilitation will continue to be the focus in the coming months. With or without crutches, his will to return is strong. The Leverkusen fans can be excited to see when they can see their playmaker on the pitch again.