Alessandra Keller successfully operated on cruciate ligament

Around ten days ago, on Tuesday, October 22, Alessandra Keller had to have surgery on her right cruciate ligament. The operation was planned and went according to plan. The rehabilitation of the two-time overall World Cup winner has already begun.

Around six years ago, Alessandra Keller fell during training at her home World Championships in Lenzerheide and tore her right cruciate ligament. This could not stop the then 22-year-old and Keller won gold at the U23 World Championships just one day later with her knee taped.

Since then, Alessandra Keller has always treated this cruciate ligament rupture conservatively. It was already clear during the year 2024 that Keller would analyze the situation after the Olympic season. The aim was to find the best solution – in the long term and with a view to the four-year Olympic cycle.

Operation successful

In the end, Keller, together with all those involved and the team of Orthopädie St. Gallen led by Dr. med. Pierre Hofer, decided that an operation at the end of the season was the best solution. The 28-year-old is also already familiar with the challenges and opportunities of an operation and the associated rehabilitation phase, as she already had to operate on the cruciate ligament in her left knee in 2021.

The operation on Tuesday, October 22, went according to plan. After three days, Alessandra Keller was able to return home and is satisfied with how things have gone so far: “The recovery and rehabilitation phase is currently going well. I feel I am receiving the best possible physiotherapy and medical care and am making the most of the situation.”

Plenty of time until the home World Championships

If the healing process is optimal, Keller will have to use crutches for four weeks. Light swimming training should be possible earlier. The next steps will be relaxed sessions on an adapted ergometer. Keller’s attitude is clear: “I have enough time and therefore no pressure. I want to be back on my bike by the end of January 2025 and then really start my pre-season preparation in the heat. My big goal for 2025 is the home World Championships in Valais. There’s still plenty of time until September.”