Doctor explains decision for Karsdorp to undergo surgery on Monday

Team doctor Riccardo Del Vescovo has explained the decision for new signing Rick Karsdorp to undergo minor knee surgery.

Karsdorp, 22, signed for the Giallorossi on Wednesday afternoon – inking a five-year deal to complete a move from boyhood club Feyenoord Rotterdam.

Prior to his signing the Netherlands international underwent an extensive medical, which included an assessment and investigation of a knee complaint the player picked up towards the end of the 2016-17 season.

In consultation with renowned surgeon Dr. Mariani, following the evaluation the player and Roma’s medical staff agreed that minor surgery - scheduled for Monday - was the sensible course of action.

On Friday Dr. Vescovo went on Roma Radio to update fans on the situation.

"On Monday, Dr Mariani will perform arthroscopic surgery on Rick Karsdorp’s right knee," Del Vescovo said. "We’re doing this because we want to take a closer look at his lateral meniscus after his medical – which was conducted in tandem with Dr. Andrea Causarano – revealed findings that called for further investigation.

"It’s nothing serious or alarming; the knee is completely normal in terms of the cartilage and ligaments.”

All parties had been involved in discussions about the injury prior to the decision.

“We were completely aware of the situation. A few days before the medical on Tuesday, a preliminary evaluation had taken place where this problem was discovered," Del Vescovo added. "The player had been complaining that the discomfort had been hampering him during the final part of the season with Feyenoord.

"He pointed to the game against Ajax on 2 April as the first instance of this. During the medical on Tuesday, we moved to identify the cause of this discomfort and we believe we have done that.

“The case requires a diagnostic arthroscopy to confirm the problem and, if our beliefs are proved correct, further treatment to solve the problem during the same procedure. The player is in full agreement with our conclusions. His sole objective is to be able to give 100% for the team and our job is to enable him to do that.”

The medical team will wait until after the surgery to issue an update on Karsdorp's likely recovery period, but the Dutchman will join the squad on the pre-season camps in Trentino and the United States.

"There is nothing to worry about. It will be a quick, efficient operation,” Del Vescovo concluded. “He will definitely go to the Pinzolo training camp and the tour of the United States.

"It goes without saying that for the first couple of weeks of pre-season, the player will have to stick to an individual training programme which will be adjusted according to his progress, but that’s the same for any recovery.

"It’s important to maintain the right balance between taking our time to help him recover from the operation and ensuring his recovery programme is an effective one.”