Hull City’s defeat at Charlton Athletic at the weekend was damaging in a multitude of ways, with the match proving a particular nightmare for one of their players.
The Tigers lost 2-1 in south-east London on Saturday afternoon, a result that leaves their Championship play-off hopes in jeopardy with one game remaining.
However, that loss was overshadowed by the unfortunate events that befell their midfielder Eliot Matazo.
Matazo started the match at The Valley in what was his first appearance in 424 days since suffering an anterior cruciate knee ligament (ACL) injury in his left knee during a game at Cardiff in February 2025.
However, the 24-year-old’s return to action lasted just 11 minutes when he fell to the turf in agony due to a right knee issue.
He underwent some treatment and some physical tests before trying to continue, but ultimately had to be substituted with team-mate Paddy McNair replacing him.
Eliot Matazo (bottom) suffered a torn right ACL during Hull’s defeat at Charlton on Saturday
It was his second ACL injury with Saturday his return after 424 days out since first doing it
And on Sunday night, Hull City confirmed the worst possible news after the Portuguese had an MRI scan to determine the injury.
‘The club can confirm that Eliot Matazo has suffered a second anterior cruciate ligament injury, this time to his right knee,’ the club said in a short statement on X.
‘We’re all with you, Eliot.’
Taking to Instagram, Matazo vowed to overcome this latest setback and return to action in the future.
‘Difficult to find the words, this one is just above my understanding… I leave it up to God, he knows the why,’ he wrote.
‘Overcame this injury once, I will do it twice. I thank you all for the messages and prayers.
‘See you soon, be blessed. MTZ.’
Hull will be hoping to have Matazo back next season as a Premier League club, but their fate is out of their hands.
Sergej Jakirovic’s side sit seventh in the Championship outside of the play-offs on goal difference to Wrexham, who are better off by one goal.
With one game to go, Hull have to better the Welsh outfit’s result to finish sixth. The Tigers host ninth-placed Norwich on Saturday, while Wrexham entertain fourth-placed Middlesbrough.
