Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang aims to return in five weeks despite eight‑week estimate

The 37‑year‑old striker, Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang, who had scored in the first five league rounds, now faces the recovery from an outer meniscus injury after an operation in Madrid. Surgeon Manuel Leyes, one of the world’s leading knee‑injury specialists, performed the procedure early on Thursday and described the player’s physical condition as typical of the start of a career, which favors a quick return.

Medical Diagnosis and Prognosis

Manuel Leyes estimated about eight weeks of recovery, although he clarified that it is not a fixed figure and that the protocols adapt to each player’s response. «The protocols adapt to how each player responds», the orthopaedic surgeon explained, noting that the doctors from Deportivo de La Coruña were present during the surgery.

The specialist emphasized that, despite the caution inherent to medicine, Aubameyang’s attitude has always been very good and his condition is already evident at 37 years old. «Now it’s about monitoring, but we are optimistic. Always with reservations, that’s how medicine is, but his attitude has always been very good», Leyes insisted.

Impact on Deportivo and the Competitive Schedule

Deportivo’s medical report had already warned that the player’s progress would dictate his return to training without setting a specific date. Aubameyang, however, has stated that his goal is to be ready in five weeks, cutting the average recovery time for this type of injury by three weeks.

With that recovery, the striker would only miss the first three league rounds after the break; with eight weeks, the absence would extend to mid‑November, also affecting the two matches before the next international break. Deportivo will play a friendly in Penafiel this Friday and will not return to the league until October 11.

After being discharged at noon, Aubameyang arrived in A Coruña by train with two crutches, accompanied by sporting director Fernando Soriano and head of medical services Alejandro Mejuto. He greeted the fans who approached him, listened to messages of support and, according to witnesses, showed a smile despite the fatigue.