[Saba Sports News] According to Spanish media reports, after Antony was left out of Brazil’s World Cup squad, he and Real Betis are facing a crucial decision on whether to undergo surgery to resolve his pubic bone issue that has plagued him for half a year. Since being diagnosed with pubic osteitis, Antony has been receiving conservative treatment. Manager Manuel Pellegrini has taken extra care of him in training and arranged his playing time properly to keep him in top form for crucial fixtures. Statistically speaking, this has indeed been his best season in Europe so far. Now he faces a tough choice: stick to effective conservative treatment which carries the risk of developing chronic symptoms, or opt for surgery that will sideline him for at least three months. Antony aims to be fully fit ahead of Real Betis’ second-ever Champions League campaign, and everything hinges on how he deals with his pubic bone injury.
The editor believes that most footballers nowadays tend to avoid surgery for pubic osteitis, as the operation may reduce their pace and explosive power. Surgery cannot guarantee a full recovery, and it will sideline players for three to six months.