Man City Star Striker Seen Limping on Crutches at Club World Cup
Additional details are emerging regarding Claudio Echeverri's halftime substitution during Manchester City's FIFA Club World Cup victory against Al Ain this week.
Echeverri, who unexpectedly made his City debut as a substitute in last month's FA Cup final, joined from River Plate in January—twelve months after the deal was originally finalized.
The 19-year-old sat on the bench without playing in City's Club World Cup opening match against Wydad AC, but then earned a starting position and found the net in the commanding 6–0 victory over Al Ain. His substitution was attributed to an ankle problem, with Pep Guardiola later describing it as "a bit sore".
However, questions arise about Echeverri's future participation in the tournament following training videos circulated on social media that depicted the young Argentine player using crutches and wearing a protective boot on his right foot and lower leg.
Such extensive treatment and support typically indicates a recovery period that extends well beyond the tournament's remaining two-week duration.
Echeverri represents a growing pattern in elite football recruitment, with top clubs increasingly targeting South America for promising young talent. While Echeverri was eligible to join City immediately upon his transfer announcement in January 2024, he remained on loan with River Plate for an additional year. Many others—including Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Endrick and Willian Estêvão—are acquired before reaching 18 and must wait until they're permitted to transfer internationally.
However, meeting age requirements doesn't guarantee that young players are prepared for immediate impact. Endrick faced limited playing opportunities during his debut season at Real Madrid, and reports suggest City are already considering loan moves for Echeverri—along with fellow South American teenager Vitor Reis—for the upcoming season.
The club hopes Echeverri's injury won't prove severe, as any extended rehabilitation period could complicate efforts to secure an appropriate loan arrangement.