A wave of ACL injuries has become one of the unfortunate headlines this season. Over the weekend in LaLiga, three players—Real Madrid's Éder Militao, Villarreal's Ilias Akhomach, and Leganés' Enric Franquesa—suffered significant knee injuries.

Militao's injury came in the 27th minute of Real Madrid's match against Osasuna. His right knee got stuck as he attempted a shot, forcing him off the pitch on a stretcher in visible pain. Medical tests later confirmed a full tear of the ACL in his right knee, affecting both menisci, marking his second ACL injury in just over a year after a similar tear in his left knee last season.

Real Madrid has been hit hard by these injuries. In October, Dani Carvajal tore his ACL, lateral collateral ligament, and popliteal tendon in his right leg. Youth talents Joan Martínez and César Palacios have also faced similar issues, joining previous ACL casualties like goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender David Alaba.

Just hours after Militao's incident, Villarreal's Ilias Akhomach also joined the injured list. After scoring Villarreal’s opening goal against Alavés, he was forced to leave the field before halftime. Sadly, he’s now out for the season. This type of injury is becoming all too common in leagues across the globe. Mauro Icardi, Galatasaray’s striker, recently tore his ACL during a Europa League match against Tottenham. His teammate, Victor Osimhen, held up Icardi's shirt to honor him after scoring a goal.

LaLiga leaders Barcelona are not exempt either. Youngster Marc Bernal suffered an ACL tear in his left knee, including meniscus damage, during a match against Rayo Vallecano. On top of that, Barcelona’s goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen recently tore his right patellar tendon, sidelining him for about eight months.

The ‘ACL virus’ has hit other LaLiga players, like Real Sociedad's Hamari Traoré and Valencia's Thierry Correia. Internationally, England’s Manchester City lost midfielder Rodri Hernández to an ACL tear in his right knee. Italy’s Serie A also saw players like Atalanta's Gianluca Scamacca and Juventus's Bremer among the injured. France faces similar challenges, with six players suffering from ACL injuries this season alone. This ongoing plague of knee injuries is taking a toll on clubs and players alike. The lengthy recovery times not only sideline players for extended periods but can also hinder their ability to return to peak form.