07 Apr 2014 22:18:53
Gutted for the lad, he was on fire! speedy recovery Jay rod, at least one player is staying at our club this summer now.
Terrible news for him and the club. From a fairly uncertain start, he's become a key player in less than two seasons.
The worry - as with Walcott who suffered a similar injury - is that pace is a major attribute of Rodriguez's game and I can't think of anyone who has ruptured their ACL and not come back slightly diminished physically, usually in their acceleration off the blocks.
It really is one of the worst injuries to pick up. Fingers crossed for a successful operation and rehab period and hope he returns as good as new, but Saints are going to have to plan for next season without him - realistically, it'll be around 9 months before he's fully fit - and I don't think they've got anyone of his type waiting in the wings, so let's hope there's a few quid remaining in the coffers for a signing.
Whilst it's probably unlikely that our medical team will be able to speed up his recovery, they are fantastic at rehabilitating our players. Just look at how Ramirez and Lovren got back to full fitness again.
And whilst we don't have any wide forwards in the wings, we do have Sam McQueen, Jake Sinclair and Omar Rowe who are all pacey wingers likely to be promoted to the first team this summer.
Although I'd argue that Lovren has been playing like he's walking on eggshells since he returned and Ramirez is back on the injury list with - I think - a problem with the same ankle, so perhaps both were rushed back too soon.
Not certain about McQueen (as he's a year behind in his development due to a serious injury), but I get the feeling Sinclair and Rowe aren't going to make it. There have been plenty of opportunities to integrate them into the first team squad this season, but the management haven't bothered.
Rowe looks the part just needs to grow a bit
Saint IQ
While there is a chance he could come back slightly diminished I have had the same injury with no where near the amount of care that Jay Rod will have I have come back stronger if anything because of the strict rehab you have to complete after. And that is with me having to wait 9 months before my op and Jay Rod should be back before the 9 months, so we have to stay positive that he will come back just as good if not stronger. Speedy recovery Jay Rod every saints fans thoughts are with you.