Serious Bakker injury rules Atalanta defender out for 6 months | OneFootball

There was bad news for Atalanta in pre-season training, as Mitchel Bakker has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

A statement from the club confirmed the player sustained the injury during Thursday’s training session and tests today showed the extent of the damage.

It means he will have to go under the knife and surgery has been scheduled for Monday July 18 at the Policlinico Gemelli in Rome with Professor Ezio Adriani.

This type of torn anterior cruciate ligament tends to require five to six months out of football.

Another setback for Bakker at Atalanta

DUBLIN, IRELAND – MAY 22: Mitchel Bakker of Atalanta BC celebrates with the UEFA Europa League Trophy after his team’s victory during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 final match between Atalanta BC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Dublin Arena on May 22, 2024 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Bakker has certainly not been fortunate in his time with Atalanta since the €8.8m plus add-ons transfer from Bayer Leverkusen in 2023.

The Dutch international struggled to deal with Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical requirements and made just 22 appearances for Atalanta, scoring once.

He spent last season on loan with LOSC in France, where he contributed four goals and three assists in 35 games.