Kevin Strootman's Surgery Successful, Recovery Period Unknown

Heading into the summer, much was made about Kevin Strootman's return to full fitness being a de facto transfer for Roma, and really, it's hard to argue with that logic. Strootman has been out of the equation for much of the past two seasons that, for all intents and purposes, he would have been a new addition. So, it was with great dismay, that we faced the news of his impending surgery on his left knee, his third in less than two years. Not only was this de facto transfer rendered null and void, Strootman was once again unavailable, most likely for the entire season. And while there were a flurry of moves around the league yesterday, with many of Roma's chief rivals strengthening their squad, each and every one of them would still pale in comparison to the healthy return of Kevin Strootman.

So, it is with much restrained optimism that we pass along the news that Strootman's surgery, again his third on the same knee, went off without a hitch. In an official statement, the club was rather pithy on the prognosis, saying simply: "Kevin Strootman today underwent reconstructive ACL surgery on his left knee. The operation went well and the midfielder will now continue with his rehabilitation program."

Strootman's surgeon, Dr. Piero Paolo Mariani, gave a little more insight into what to expect following the procedure:

Strootman will play again...Two months from now we'll learn whether the surgery was successful. We cannot discuss recovery times. The lad had an extremely tough month, but today he was chilled...Up to two-three days ago he looked like he'd been run over by a train, but this morning he was smiling and peaceful

Now, don't misconstrue what he's saying there; the surgery in and of itself was a success, in so far as he didn't die or slip into an irreparable coma, but this isn't a two month recovery and rehab process we're talking about, it's going to take a full two months before he can even assess if the surgery achieved what was intended, reconstructing his ACL.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I am hugely disappointed that I cannot contribute to AS Roma and the Dutch National Team for the next few months...1/2</p>&mdash; Kevin Strootman (@Kevin_strootman) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kevin_strootman/status/638607972336312320">September 1, 2015</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">but I will do everything to get back on the pitch as soon as possible. 2/2</p>&mdash; Kevin Strootman (@Kevin_strootman) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kevin_strootman/status/638608015114010624">September 1, 2015</a></blockquote>

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Francesco Totti took to his official site to offer words of encouragement to the fallen Dutchman:

Kevin, we are all with you...Champions like you are true gladiators, you never give up. We're waiting for you my friend. Your help on the pitch is too important! For us, you are Roma, in the heart and the soul

That tells you really all you need to know about Strootman's place in the squad, tactically and emotionally. While the prognosis remains cloudy, at least he's not going through this alone.

So, let's all cross our fingers and pray for the return of The Dutch Jesuus