Pachuca confirmed a major setback ahead of the Clausura 2026 tournament. Ecuadorian defender Andres Micolta has been officially ruled out of the competition after suffering a fractured kneecap in his right knee, an injury that will require a long recovery process.

The information was released this Saturday by the Pachuca club announced the injury in an official statement issued by their medical staff.

Official Medical Report from Pachuca on Andres Micolta

According to the medical report, the injury occurred during a recent training session when the defend made an unfortunate movement after striking the ball.

“During yesterday's training session, Andres Micolta, after striking a ball, experienced pain when he put his right knee down in a rotational movement, which resulted in a fracture of the patella. The approximate return time will be four to five months, depending on clinical progress,” reported Dr. Fernando Marquez, director of the club's medical services.

Successful Surgery and Start of Rehabilitation

The statement also detailed that the player has already undergone surgery to stabilize the injury.

“The player was operated on by Dr. Marco Acuna, who placed screws to fix the patella. We will begin his rehabilitation next Monday.” "Rehabilitation," the medical report added. Micolta's recovery will practically coincide with the entire Clausura 2026 schedule, whose final is scheduled for May 24. Pachuca's Schedule and Confirmed Absence: The team managed by Pachuca will begin its participation in the Clausura 2026 on January 10 as visitors against Guadalajara, and will close the regular season on April 25 against Pumas. The playoffs will begin on May 2, dates that leave the Ecuadorian defender out of competition. Micolta, a key player in the club's recent successes: Andres Micolta arrived at Pachuca for the Clausura 2024 and quickly established himself as a fundamental element in the defense. He was part of the squad that won the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, the Derby of the Americas, and the Challenger Cup, achievements that raised his international profile.A career marked by injuries: The fractured kneecap represents a new obstacle in the career of the defender born in Esmeraldas. In February of last year, Micolta suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, also in his right knee, an injury that sidelined him for the 2025 Clausura tournament and the club's participation in the Club World Cup.

Career and Ecuadorian National Team

Micolta began his professional career in Brazil's fifth division, playing for Rio Blanco and Castelo, before returning to Ecuador in 2022 to play for El Nacional, a club with which he achieved promotion to the first division.

His strong performance led him to Pachuca and later to call-ups to the Ecuadorian national team, including the 2024 Copa America, although he lost his place after his injury in 2025.

Tough Blow to the 2026 World Cup

This new injury halts Andres Micolta's attempt to regain prominence and earn a place back on the Ecuadorian national team. team, at a crucial moment in the World Cup qualifying cycle. 2026.