Zakaria Labyad diagnosed with ACL rupture and meniscus injury at Corinthians

Zakaria Labyad has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a meniscus injury in his left knee after being carried off during Corinthians’ league match against Athletico Paranaense.

The 33-year-old midfielder was forced to leave the field on a stretcher just before half-time after landing awkwardly in a challenge. Labyad appeared to twist his body as he placed his foot down, suffering what was initially described as a sprain to his left knee.

An MRI scan carried out immediately after the match confirmed the seriousness of the injury. Corinthians later issued a medical update saying the player would require surgery, although the date of the operation has not yet been announced.

“Medical update on Zakaria Labyad,” Corinthians said in a statement. “Following a sprain suffered during the match against Athletic Bilbao, midfielder Zakaria Labyad underwent medical examinations on Friday morning. An injury to the meniscus and a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in the left knee were diagnosed. The club will announce the date of the operation in the coming days.”

The diagnosis means Labyad is facing a lengthy period of rehabilitation. A specific recovery timetable has not been given, but an anterior cruciate ligament rupture generally requires extended treatment and a carefully managed return to football.

The injury is a major setback for a player who only joined the Brazilian club at the end of February 2026. Labyad moved to Corinthians after a spell with Chinese club Dalian Yingbo and has made 17 appearances for his new side so far.

He has scored two goals and provided two assists during that time.

Labyad’s contract with Corinthians runs until the end of 2026 and includes an option for an additional season. The club’s announcement of the operation date in the coming days should provide a clearer indication of how long he will be unavailable and how the injury may affect his immediate future in Brazil.

The midfielder’s latest appearance ended prematurely after the incident before half-time, with his teammates and medical staff attending to him on the pitch before he was taken away on a stretcher. The subsequent scans confirmed damage to both the meniscus and the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.