Atlanta United midfielder Jay Fortune underwent successful surgery on July 3, 2025, to repair a midfoot sprain in his left foot. The club announced that the 22-year-old is expected to miss a minimum of six months, with his rehabilitation process determining his return-to-play timeline .
A midfoot sprain, commonly referred to as a Lisfranc injury, involves damage to the tarsometatarsal joint in the the midfoot region in the middle region. This area includes ligaments, soft tissues, and occasionally bones in the midfoot region, which play a critical role in stabilizing the arch of the foot. Such injuries may occur due to high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or falls from a height, or from low-energy mechanisms commonly seen in sports, including twisting injuries or direct impacts.
Surgical intervention is typically required for unstable Lisfranc injuries to restore proper alignment and foot stability. Research indicates that the average time for athletes to return to training is approximately 20 weeks, with a return to competitive play around 25 weeks. Outcomes are generally favorable when the procedure is performed in a timely manner to restore alignment, with up to 90% of athletes achieving excellent results post-surgery. However, some individuals may experience persistent symptoms, such as chronic pain or posttraumatic arthritis.