Diego Murillo
MLA
Undergoes successful surgery
Murillo (knee) underwent successful surgery on Tuesday to repair a medial collateral ligament injury and damage to the medial meniscus in his right knee, with the procedure performed arthroscopically by Dr. Antonio Luis Leiva Gea at Hospital Quironsalud Malaga, the club announced.
Analysis: Murillo was forced off in the 53rd minute of the promotion playoff final against Almeria, the victory that secured Malaga's return to La Liga, making the injury a bittersweet end to a historic campaign. The surgery involved an arthroscopic repair of the medial meniscus and reinforcement of the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament, with Murillo expected to miss pre-season entirely and unlikely to be available for the start of Malaga's debut La Liga season in late August.
Ruled out for start of season
Murillo (knee) will undergo surgery on Tuesday for a medial collateral ligament and internal meniscus injury to his right knee, ruling him out of the start of the 2026-27 La Liga season, according to Deportes COPE Malaga.
Analysis: Murillo sustained the injury on June 20 during the promotion playoff final that secured Malaga's return to La Liga, with initial fears of an ACL rupture having been ruled out following further examination, providing some relief despite the seriousness of the diagnosis. The procedure will be an arthroscopy performed at the Quironsalud hospital in Malaga, which will allow the medical staff to determine the exact extent of the meniscus tear and establish an appropriate recovery plan. The most likely scenario is a rest period of at least six weeks before more demanding physical training can resume, with Murillo expected to miss pre-season entirely and unlikely to be available for the start of the championship in late August. His return timeline will ultimately depend on how he responds to treatment and the findings from the surgical procedure.
Lockdown defender
Murillo logged 41 starts in the 2025/26 season as Malaga earned promotion to LaLiga for the 2026/27 campaign.
Analysis: Murillo ranked third in minutes played for Malaga in the 2025/26 season behind Alfonso Herrero and David Larrubia. The center-back was the anchor of the defensive line and should be part of the squad in 2026/27, though it wouldn't be surprising if he has a depth role -- especially if Malaga decide to strengthen the squad during the summer transfer window.
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