Alan Shearer has recalled the devastating Christmas period of 1992 when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while playing for Blackburn Rovers. The Newcastle United legend sustained the injury during a Boxing Day match against Leeds United, just months after his record-breaking £3.6 million move to Ewood Park.
Shearer had been in sensational form, scoring 22 goals in 26 appearances before the injury struck. Despite the severity, he initially did not realise the extent of the damage. He attempted to return to training four weeks later but collapsed in pain, leading to a hospital visit in February 1993 where doctors confirmed the full ACL tear.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: 'In my first season at Blackburn, I was sat on 22 goals on Boxing Day, and unfortunately, I ruptured my cruciate ligament. I scored two against Leeds at Ewood Park, and ten minutes later, I went through in a challenge and did my knee.' He spent ten days in hospital due to complications including a blood clot and infection.
The striker admitted he feared for his career, telling The Independent in 1996: 'There were times when I wondered whether I'd ever play again or, if I did, whether I'd ever be as good again.' However, he returned stronger, scoring 34 goals the following season and helping Blackburn win the Premier League title in 1995.
