This Sunday, the world of football witnessed two serious injuries that have set off alarm bells. Rodri Hernandezcaptain of the Spanish National Team, and Marc-André Ter StegenFC Barcelona goalkeeper, were involved in two problems kneewhich could keep them off the pitch for several months, after going through what is known as the “test of fear”.
Although the exact diagnosis in the case of the Spanish player is yet to be confirmed, what is already known is that both players could face a long and difficult recovery, both physically and mentally.
Let us remember that we come from a past season in which players from Real Madrid y FC Barcelona as Your Militao, Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba (still injured) and Pablo Gavi (also without returning to the pitch yet) have suffered long-term injuries to their knees, which has set off alarm bells for clubs and made them wonder why these types of injuries happen so often.
In this context, traumatologist Manuel Leyes, a reference in the recovery of injured players, explained in the program ‘Play Time’ of the COPE an essential aspect in this process: the already mentioned test of feara psychological questionnaire that can make the difference between a successful return to competition or a career marred by uncertainty.
Serious injuries to Rodri and Ter Stegen, two hard blows in one day
Sunday was a black day for two great figures of international football. In the Manchester Cityduring a corner against Arsenal, Rodri Hernandez He fell to the ground after a scuffle with Thomas Partey. The Spanish midfielder, indispensable in Pep Guardiola’s system, showed clear signs of pain and concern on his face, which raised fears of a serious knee injury.
Thousands of miles away, in The Ceramics Stadiumthe goalkeeper Marc-André Ter Stegen Rodri had a similar experience. When he went out to collect a ball in the air, the German goalkeeper placed his right leg incorrectly, causing an injury that kept him out of the match. Initial assessments suggest that Rodri could be out for a long period.
FC Barcelona, for its part, has already made official the type of injury its goalkeeper has and that he will have to undergo surgery.
What is the so-called “fear test”?
In the program hosted by Juanma Castaño, Dr. Manuel Leyes revealed how they manage the psychological factor after an operation of this type, and the fundamental role it plays in the recovery of elite footballers. According to Leyes, one of the crucial elements to measure the emotional state of players after a serious injury is the so-called test of fear.
“Shortly after operating on them, we gave them a questionnaire, a fear scaleand those who score the worst on that scale are those who perform the worst when they return to competition,” said the doctor. This test evaluates the fear that footballers feel when facing situations similar to those that caused their injury. “When they have to fight for a divided ball, they remember what happened to them and play worse,” added Leyes.
The role of fear in post-injury performance
Fear is a difficult aspect to control for many footballers. As Dr Leyes explained, the psychological after-effects can be just as devastating as the physical ones. Those who score poorly on the “fear scale” tend to avoid physical contact or risky situations, which directly affects their performance.
“The fear scale “It is predefined and has an almost direct correlation with what ends up happening on the field,” said Leyes. This questionnaire helps specialists understand if a player is ready not only from a physical point of view, but also mentally. “Players who pass this test well usually return to their previous level, while those who do not, may have problems regaining confidence,” explained the traumatologist.
A recovery process that goes beyond the physical
Although knee injuries, such as those suffered by Rodri and Ter Stegen, require intensive physical recovery, Leyes stressed that the mental component is just as important. “It’s not just about repairing the body, you also have to rebuild confidence,” the doctor said. Fear of relapse or not being up to par can be a huge obstacle for footballers, especially when they are faced with high-demand competitive situations again.
Both players will have to go through a long recovery process And if the initial medical assessments are confirmed, we are unlikely to see them on the field for quite some time. But beyond the physical treatments, the biggest challenge will be overcoming the psychological fear that remains after an injury of this magnitude.
The test of fear, key to returning to the top
He psychological test The assessment mentioned by Manuel Leyes has become a crucial tool for sports medicine professionals. This type of assessment not only measures the player’s physical condition, but also their mental readiness to return to competition. In the case of elite players such as Rodri and Ter Stegen, this aspect could be decisive in knowing when they will be truly ready to compete again at the highest level.
In short, the fear test represents a fundamental part of the recovery process after a serious injury. While Rodri Hernández and Marc-André Ter Stegen are dealing with their respective diagnoses, the psychological component will play a decisive role in their return to the pitch.
Source: www.vozpopuli.com
