Mihai Popescu, 33, will be sidelined for approximately two months, missing several crucial matches in the Superliga, including fixtures against Dinamo and Universitatea Craiova. The news was confirmed by Mihai Stoica, a representative of FCSB.
Stoica revealed that Popescu underwent another medical procedure recently, and his return is targeted for late October at the earliest. During this time, the central defender is receiving injections for ligament issues.
Details on Mihai Popescu’s Injury: “There is a lesion that needs to be repaired”
Popescu suffered his injury during a training session before the match against FC Argeș, which FCSB won 2-0. His recovery process remains uncertain, particularly concerning his ability to play in the upcoming match against Rapid at the end of the month.
Stoica stated, “Mihai had an injection on Saturday, when Dr. Bogdan Ioan Codoreanu was supposed to go on vacation but postponed his trip to assist Mihai. He should be back roughly halfway through the first part of the season, about two months from now. There is a lesion that requires repair. If this does not work, another surgical intervention may be necessary, which would lead to extended downtime.”
His comments reflected a broader commitment to player health, referencing discussions with Gică Hagi about recovery protocols. He emphasized that no player would return to action in less than nine months after a significant procedure, regardless of assurances from medical professionals.
Mihai Popescu’s Previous Recovery
The situation is particularly challenging for Popescu, as he had recently returned from a severe injury earlier this year. He sustained a serious injury on October 13, 2025, during the Romania vs. Austria match, which resulted in an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee.
Following surgery at the Villa Stuart clinic in Rome two days later, doctors had predicted a recovery period of six to nine months. However, Popescu made a swift recovery, starting light running during the Antalya training camp after about three months, and returned to the field for a friendly match on March 15, 2026.
