Zakaria Diallo makes first start after tearing his Achilles tendon before start of season
The signing of Zakaria Diallo during the offseason was enormous for the Montreal Impact. The French centre-back was expected to be a pillar in defense for the Bleu-blanc-noir as it got set to kick off its 2018 campaign.
But as fate would have it, Diallo would fall in training just three days before the start of the season, suffering a tear in his Achilles tendon for the second time in his career. The defender was expected to miss up to 6 months and the team was now left without its rock in the middle.
For Diallo, the process was going to be a long one, if you consider the recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration into the group.
“The hardest part was starting to train again,” said defender Zakaria Diallo. “I was in a cast for three months. I didn’t do anything at all. Restarting again consisted of me working physically, working on bodybuilding, and preparing my body.”
Now, after months of rehabilitation, Diallo started his first game with the Bleu-blanc-noir last Friday against Ottawa Fury FC, playing all 90 minutes in a 1-0 win at TD Place.
“It feels good in every sense of the word, whether it’s morally or from a sporting aspect,” added Diallo. “It went well. Physically, I felt great too. A friendly game against a good USL team was the perfect scenario to come back into.”
Never doubting a return
This is the second time Zakaria Diallo suffered this type of injury, the first time being in 2014. The former Stade Brestois man was familiar with what this injury entailed, and for him, his return was never really a question.
“I had no doubt. I never doubt,” said Diallo. “It’s my biggest strength. I knew the injury protocol, so I knew what to expect. The first time, I came back in four months. This time took a little longer, but I knew I’d be back. I was determined to come back.”
Always smiling, Diallo took advantage of his injury to study MLS and get accustomed to the new league, while completing his rehabilitation at Centre Nutrilait. Now, the defender participates in every training session and has analyzed the league to a point where he feels like he’s familiarized himself with it quite well.
“I feel ready to play. What’s important is that when the coach calls for me, I answer present. That’s it.”
