Brazilian middle blocker Julia Kudiess has been ruled out of the remainder of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury to her left knee. The injury occurred during Brazil’s match against the United States in Osaka, Japan. Kudiess is scheduled to return to Brazil this week for further medical evaluation.
Injury Impact on Brazil and Igor Gorgonzola Novara
The loss of Kudiess represents a significant setback for the Brazilian national team as they prepare for the final stages of the VNL.
The impact extends to the club level as well. In May, the Italian Serie A1 club Igor Gorgonzola Novara announced that Kudiess had signed to join their roster for the 2026/27 season. The club released an official statement confirming they are monitoring the situation following the diagnosis.
Kudiess Addresses Recovery Process
Kudiess confirmed the severity of the injury through a personal statement posted to her social media accounts. She expressed the emotional difficulty of the situation, noting that the injury occurred during what she described as a "happy period" of her life.
"I have suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in my left knee and I am returning to Brazil to undergo further tests," Kudiess wrote. "Now it is time to accept the situation, take a deep breath, and start another rehabilitation path. It won’t be easy, I know. But I also know how much strength there is inside me."
Volleyball Injury Context
Key Facts Regarding the Injury
- Injury Type: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear.
- Affected Area: Left knee.
- Context: Sustained during a VNL match against the United States in Osaka.
- Next Steps: Immediate return to Brazil for specialized medical assessment and commencement of a rehabilitation program.
Kudiess concluded her statement by emphasizing her commitment to the recovery process. She stated that she intends to return to the sport "stronger, more mature, and even more grateful" once the rehabilitation process is complete.
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