Hull City's defeat at Charlton Athletic at the weekend proved damaging in multiple ways, with the match turning into a particular nightmare for midfielder Eliot Matazo. The Tigers lost 2-1 in south-east London on Saturday afternoon, a result that leaves their Championship play-off hopes in jeopardy with just one game remaining.
However, that loss was overshadowed by the unfortunate events that befell Matazo. The 24-year-old started the match at The Valley in what was his first appearance in 424 days after suffering an anterior cruciate knee ligament (ACL) injury in his left knee during a game at Cardiff in February 2025. His return to action lasted merely 11 minutes before he fell to the turf in agony due to a right knee issue. He underwent treatment and physical tests before attempting to continue, but ultimately had to be substituted, with teammate Paddy McNair replacing him.
On Sunday night, Hull City confirmed the worst possible news after Matazo underwent an MRI scan to determine the injury. 'The club can confirm that Eliot Matazo has suffered a second anterior cruciate ligament injury, this time to his right knee,' the club said in a short statement on X. 'We're all with you, Eliot.'
Taking to Instagram, Matazo vowed to overcome this latest setback and return to action in the future. 'Difficult to find the words, this one is just above my understanding… I leave it up to God, he knows the why,' he wrote. 'Overcame this injury once, I will do it twice. I thank you all for the messages and prayers. See you soon, be blessed. MTZ.'
Hull will be hoping to have Matazo back next season as a Premier League club, but their fate is out of their hands. Sergej Jakirovic's side sit seventh in the Championship, outside the play-offs on goal difference to Wrexham, who are better off by one goal. With one game to go, Hull must better the Welsh outfit's result to finish sixth. The Tigers host ninth-placed Norwich on Saturday, while Wrexham entertain fourth-placed Middlesbrough.
