Toluca, Mexico — Deportivo Toluca FC has been rocked by devastating news after star midfielder Luis “Lucho” Navarro, 27, sustained a potentially career-ending injury during a routine training session on Thursday morning.
According to reports from the club’s Metepec training ground, Navarro went down awkwardly after a sudden change of direction during a ball possession drill. Witnesses say he let out a loud cry before collapsing, clutching his right knee in agony.
Medical staff rushed to his side and training was immediately suspended. Navarro was transported by ambulance to a private clinic in Toluca, where initial assessments revealed what doctors fear is a complete ACL tear, along with possible meniscus and ligament damage.
“This looks bad — his career might be over,” said Dr. Arturo Medina, Toluca’s head physician. “It’s one of the most severe injuries a footballer can suffer. We will confirm with MRI scans, but early signs are very concerning. This will require surgery and a very long recovery.”
Navarro, who joined Toluca two seasons ago and has become a key player in midfield, was expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming Apertura tournament. His injury deals a significant blow to head coach Renato Paiva’s tactical plans.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Paiva at a brief press conference. “Luis is a leader on and off the pitch. His spirit defines this team. Right now, our focus is on supporting him through what could be the most difficult moment of his career.”
Fans flooded social media with messages of support using hashtags like #FuerzaLucho and #TodosConNavarro, with some already calling for a tribute during Toluca’s next home match at Estadio Nemesio Diez.
If MRI results confirm the worst, Navarro could be out for 9 to 12 months, putting his return to top-level football in doubt.
An official medical statement from the club is expected within the next 48 hours.
Further updates will follow.
