FRISCO, Texas – FC Dallas and defender Geovane Jesus received disheartening news Thursday morning as it was confirmed that the 22-year-old had torn the ACL in his right knee during Wednesday’s training session.
It’s a difficult situation for the club, of course, but immeasurably more devastating for the player. Jesus, still just 22, had recently earned his first international call-up for the Brazil U-22 team ahead of the Pan American games. The young right back has impressed in his maiden season in MLS, featuring 19 times and contributing two assists since his transfer from Cruzeiro.
“Of course, no player wants to get hurt, no one wants to receive this news,” said Jesus, who bravely answered questions following the diagnosis. “Before it happened, I was feeling very confident, very happy with the news I was being called up the Brazilian national team. I'm upset and sad but I always put God first, God always has me, always blesses me. I'm upset but I thank God that I have my family here with me and my second family, FC Dallas. Everyone is here for me.”
Jesus will undergo surgery to repair the acute ACL tear in the coming days with an anticipated 9–10-month recovery period ahead of him.
“It will take time, but I have to keep a good mindset,” he said. “My family is here, everyone is here by my side helping. I've got a lot of faith in God that I will return stronger than before.”
“It’s very, very sad injury for everyone. For him, it’s a very unfortunate timing,” said head coach Nico Estévez. “We just have to support him, give all the resources to recover him and make him stronger. We love him. The group is showing a lot of empathy. We have some players who’ve gone through this experience with these kinds of injuries and they’re telling their stories and how they handled it. We just have to help him recover as soon as possible and help him have a long career.”
Jesus’ extended absence means FCD and Estévez will likely lean on fellow right back Ema Twumasi heavily for the remainder of the season. However, Twumasi himself is questionable for Saturday’s meeting with the Seattle Sounders due to a shoulder injury. Left back Sam Junqua and wingers Dante Sealy and Herbert Endeley have filled in at right back at points throughout 2023 and could be asked to step up once again.
