Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna's current MLS season has "apparently ended early" following a torn meniscus, an injury he shared with fans in a social media post on Tuesday. The setback means Luna will miss the remainder of the season for the Salt Lake City club. Luna apologized for the impact of the injury, explaining how it has affected his ability to play at his best throughout the season.
In his Tuesday post, Luna detailed the personal toll of the injury, noting that he "hasn't been the Diego Luna that many of you know." He further explained that the torn meniscus "hasn't allowed me to express myself and reach my full potential." Prior to this announcement, Luna had appeared in 18 games for Real Salt Lake during the current MLS season, contributing 5 goals to the team's efforts. His statement suggests that despite these appearances and contributions, the injury hindered his full capabilities on the pitch.
Looking ahead, Luna is expected to undergo a knee procedure, according to reports from The Athletic. This procedure aims to determine the full extent of the injury and outline the necessary recovery path. The announcement follows Luna's absence from Real Salt Lake's recent match against New York City FC. On Saturday, Luna did not play in the team's 2-0 defeat, with the club listing him with a leg injury ahead of the contest. This recent absence provided an early indication of the physical challenges he was facing.
The torn meniscus is the latest in a series of physical issues that have affected Luna this season. Injuries have reportedly "plagued Luna this season," impacting his performance and availability. Earlier in the year, a muscle issue was cited as the "alleged cause of him being left off the USMNT roster for this summer's World Cup." These recurring physical setbacks underscore a challenging season for the talented midfielder, who has battled various ailments while trying to contribute to Real Salt Lake.
Despite the current setback, Luna expressed determination to use this time for recovery and improvement. In his social media message, he outlined his intention to prepare himself for his eventual return to the pitch. Luna wrote that he "will use this time to heal mentally and physically and come back stronger than ever and ready to take over because that's who I am." He framed this period as "another opportunity to show people who I am and the foundation of what my career... I have to bet on myself through all the noise and come out on top." His statements emphasize a focus on mental and physical rehabilitation with a clear goal of returning to peak form.