Harambee Stars prospect suffers second ACL injury in England
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 28.04.26. | 10:15
Matazo, who joined Hull City from AS Monaco in January 2025, has endured a stop-start spell in England, limited to just a handful of appearances due to repeated knee injuries
Hull City midfielder Eliot Matazo has suffered a crushing setback after sustaining a second Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during his long-awaited comeback against Charlton Athletic, casting fresh doubt over his future and international prospects.
The 24-year-old was handed a start at The Valley in what marked his first Championship appearance in 14 months, but his return lasted just 11 minutes before he was forced off injured in visible distress.
Matazo had only recently returned from an ACL injury to his left knee sustained in February 2025 against Cardiff City.
This latest blow has now affected his right knee, compounding a nightmare spell of injuries that has stalled his progress at Hull City.
Hull City confirmed the diagnosis in an official statement:
“Hull City can confirm that midfielder Eliot Matazo has suffered a second Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury, this time to his right knee. The 24-year-old was withdrawn in the early stages of the trip to Charlton Athletic, 14 months after sustaining the same injury to his other knee at Cardiff City in February 2025.
Everyone at the club sends their best wishes, and we will support Eliot every step of the way throughout his rehabilitation during this difficult period.”
There was immediate concern at The Valley as Matazo went down early in the match, briefly attempted to continue after treatment, but was eventually substituted as medical staff rushed to assess the situation.
What was meant to be a carefully managed return quickly turned into another long spell on the sidelines.
Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic later admitted that starting the midfielder carried an element of risk, following consultations with the player and medical team, but the setback has now proven costly.
Matazo, who joined Hull City from AS Monaco in January 2025, has endured a stop-start spell in England, limited to just a handful of appearances due to repeated knee injuries.
The Belgium-born midfielder, who is eligible to represent Kenya through his mother, had been identified as one of the players being monitored by Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy as part of plans for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, this latest injury casts serious doubt over his fitness and availability for future national team involvement.
