Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina opens up about his injury recovery process after suffering a shattered elbow and shares his hopes of potentially returning to Atlético Nacional.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - JANUARY 22: Fans of Al Nassr release shirts attached to balloons, featuring a banner which reads 'Come Back Stronger, We Are Waiting For You' as a tribute in support of injured goalkeeper David Ospina, during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al-Ittifaq Club at Mrsool Park Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 22: Fans of Al Nassr release shirts attached to balloons, featuring a banner which reads ‘Come Back Stronger, We Are Waiting For You’ as a tribute in support of injured goalkeeper David Ospina, during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al-Ittifaq Club at Mrsool Park Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

David Ospina opens up on injury recovery

Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina has provided an update on his recovery from a serious elbow injury sustained in January, which has seen him miss 13 games.

The Colombian international, who now plays for Al Nassr, revealed that the injury was more severe than initially reported, resulting in a longer rehabilitation process.

“The injury was much more serious than what was said,” Ospina said.

“It took more than six weeks, because the radius was completely destroyed. The surgery lasted much longer than scheduled, but I continue to recover very well.”

Colombian National Team and future plans

Napoli's Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina is stretched out of the pitch following a head injury during the Italian Serie A football match Atalanta vs Napoli played on July 2, 2020 behind closed doors at the Atleti Azzurri d'Italia stadium in Bergamo, as the country eases its lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 infection, caused by the novel coronavirus. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP)
Napoli’s Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina is stretched out of the pitch following a head injury during the Italian Serie A football match Atalanta vs Napoli played on July 2, 2020 behind closed doors at the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia stadium in Bergamo (Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP)

Speaking to Win Sports, Ospina also reflected on his time with the Colombian National Team, acknowledging that this stage of his career would have to come to an end eventually.

The 34-year-old goalkeeper remains focused on living in the moment and enjoying his time on the field, while also preparing for life after football.

“Today I live one day at a time.

“I know that at some point it will come to an end, but I try to make the most of it.

“I start talking about many things with my family. Football as a player will end at some point and we will continue in another aspect, but football will be linked to me.

“But today I try to live in the moment, to take advantage of it and enjoy it, in addition to contributing to the generations that come”.

Potential return to Atlético Nacional

TOPSHOT - Colombia's goalkeeper David Ospina (L) collides with Argentina's Sergio Aguero during their Copa America football tournament group match at the Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador, Brazil, on June 15, 2019. (Photo by Raul ARBOLEDA / AFP)
TOPSHOT – Colombia’s goalkeeper David Ospina (L) collides with Argentina’s Sergio Aguero during their Copa America football tournament group match at the Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador, Brazil, on June 15, 2019. (Photo by Raul ARBOLEDA / AFP)

Ospina, who began his career at Atlético Nacional before making the jump to European football with Arsenal, expressed his desire to return to his boyhood club someday.

As a fan of the team, he hopes that the opportunity arises and is eagerly awaiting the right moment.

Retirement thoughts and World Cup experience

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - JUNE 28: David Ospina of Colombia makes a save during the Copa America Brazil 2019 quarterfinal match between Colombia and Chile at Arena Corinthians on June 28, 2019 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – JUNE 28: David Ospina of Colombia makes a save during the Copa America Brazil 2019 quarterfinal match between Colombia and Chile at Arena Corinthians on June 28, 2019 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)

While Ospina does not have a specific retirement age in mind, he is aware that his playing days are numbered.

He plans to live in the moment and contribute as much as possible until he feels it’s time to step aside.

“I don’t tell myself if I’ll play until I’m 36 or 37, I live from day to day and the moment I can’t contribute anymore, I’ll raise my hand and step aside, but for now I don’t see that ceiling.

“But if I talk about it to plan. But I have one life left to live. It is a part that has to be kept in mind, because retirement is going to come at some point”.

The goalkeeper also shared his thoughts on Colombia’s absence from the recent World Cup.

He described the experience of watching the tournament on television as difficult, but emphasised the importance of focusing on the positives and supporting the new process under head coach Néstor Lorenzo.

Moving forward after World Cup disappointment

Napoli's Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina (L) resumes playing after being injured during the Italian Serie A football match Napoli vs Udinese at the San Paolo stadium in Naples. (Photo by Carlo Hermann / AFP)
Napoli’s Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina (L) resumes playing after being injured during the Italian Serie A football match Napoli vs Udinese at the San Paolo stadium in Naples. (Photo by Carlo Hermann / AFP)

Ospina acknowledged the challenges faced by Colombia during the World Cup qualifiers, including a series of games without scoring a goal.

However, he urged his teammates and fans to look ahead and focus on the new process to achieve their objectives.

A fractured radius

image-result-for-image-of-bones-of-the-elbow-2A fractured radius refers to a break in the radius bone, which is one of the two bones in the forearm. The radius runs from the lateral side of the elbow to the thumb side of the wrist.

Radius fractures can occur in various parts of the bone, such as near the wrist (distal radius fracture), in the middle of the bone (shaft fracture), or near the elbow (proximal radius fracture).

Common causes of a fractured radius include falls on an outstretched hand, direct impact or trauma to the forearm, and sports-related injuries. Symptoms of a fractured radius can include:

  1. Pain and tenderness in the forearm
  2. Swelling and bruising around the injury site
  3. Deformity of the forearm or wrist, depending on the fracture location
  4. Inability to move or rotate the forearm or wrist
  5. Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers, if the fracture affects nerves

Treatment for a fractured radius depends on the severity and location of the break.

A non-displaced fracture, where the bone remains aligned, may be treated with a cast or splint to immobilise the arm and allow the bone to heal.

For a more severe or displaced fracture, surgery may be required to realign the bone and insert hardware, such as plates, screws, or pins, to hold it in place during the healing process.

Recovery from a fractured radius typically involves pain management, immobilisation, and physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion in the affected arm.

The healing time varies depending on the severity of the fracture and the individual’s overall health, but it can take several weeks to a few months for a full recovery.