Flamengo's Rodrigo Caio 'couldn't get out of bed' after surgery nightmare | OneFootball

Flamengo defender Rodrigo Caio has revealed the extent of the difficulty he experienced after knee surgery last year.

The 28-year-old underwent an operation last December that appeared to go off without a hitch.

Unfortunately he suffered an infection in the stitches that required a follow-up procedure in January.

As a result of the setback, Caio missed the start of the Brasileirão season and has only returned to the Rubro-Negro’s starting line-up in recent weeks.

And the centre-back has admitted that his concern during recovery went well beyond whether his playing days were over.

“For the career, of course you have doubts and think: ‘How will my knee react?’ But you are more relaxed,” he told TV Globo (via Gazeta Esportiva).

“Regarding my life, I was more worried. I couldn’t get out of bed. I came to physio and my body felt hot.

“I got a little exercise and it seemed to smoke, hot ears. And I thought if my body would not react to fight this bad thing because of the antibiotics.”

Caio is almost certain to be at the heart of the Mengão’s defence for Sunday’s league clash with basement side Fortaleza.