Corinthians midfielder Zakaria Labyad is facing a major period on the sidelines after medical tests confirmed a meniscus injury and a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The 33-year-old was carried off on a stretcher shortly before half-time in the league match against Athletico Paranaense. Labyad landed awkwardly during a challenge, twisting his body and injuring his left knee.
An MRI scan carried out immediately after the match confirmed the severity of the injury. Corinthians later issued a medical update, although the club’s statement referred to the incident as having occurred during a match against Athletic Bilbao.
“Point medical sur Zakaria Labyad”, indique Corinthians dans un communique.“Suite a une entorse subie lors du match contre l’Athletic Bilbao, le milieu de terrain Zakaria Labyad a passe des examens medicaux vendredi matin. Une lesion du menisque et une rupture du ligament croise anterieur du genou gauche ont ete diagnostiquees. Le club communiquera la date de l’operation dans les prochains jours.”
The club said it would announce the date of Labyad’s operation in the coming days. The confirmed damage means the midfielder will now begin a lengthy rehabilitation programme, although no recovery timetable has yet been given.
Labyad’s contract with Corinthians runs until the end of 2026 and includes an option for an additional season. His injury therefore comes at a difficult stage of his spell in Brazil, where he joined the club at the end of February 2026.
Before moving to Corinthians, Labyad had played for Chinese club Dalian Yingbo. Since arriving in Brazil, he has made 17 appearances for Corinthians, scoring two goals and providing two assists.
The midfielder’s latest appearance ended before half-time after the challenge in which he twisted his knee. The subsequent examinations established that the problem involved both the meniscus and the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Corinthians have not yet announced how long Labyad is expected to be unavailable or provided details of the planned surgery beyond saying that its date will be communicated shortly. His rehabilitation will follow once the operation has taken place.
The injury leaves Labyad facing an extended absence during a contract period that currently lasts through the 2026 season, with the possibility of remaining at Corinthians for a further campaign if the additional-year option is taken.
