Atlético San Luis are facing a major setback ahead of Apertura 2026. The Potosino club confirmed that João Pedro, their top offensive reference, will undergo surgery for a torn ACL in his right knee and will be sidelined for six to eight months. The Liga MX side now faces a key blow as they barely begin pre-season ahead of the new tournament.

What happened to João Pedro?

The Italian striker suffered the injury during a pre-season friendly against Querétaro, a match that ended 2-2. João Pedro scored a goal in that game but couldn’t finish after the injury. The Potosino club stated that surgery will take place in the coming days and recovery time will range between six months and eight months. The team, currently in 14th place in Liga MX with 18 points after 17 games (5 wins, 3 draws, and 9 losses), loses its top scorer just as it looks to improve its recent LWLDW form.

Why is this loss so painful for Atlético San Luis?

João Pedro arrived at the club in the summer of 2025 and in just 26 games scored 28 goals, earning back-to-back top-scorer titles. His absence leaves a massive void in attack, especially as the team needs points to close the gap on the leaders. The Potosino side trails Pumas by 18 points and faces Inter Miami on August 5, 2026. With 24 goals scored and 27 conceded (a -3 goal difference), Atlético San Luis must quickly find offensive solutions to reverse its inconsistency.

What’s next for the Potosino side?

The coaching staff will need to adjust its system without its star striker. While João Pedro recovers, Atlético San Luis is betting on reinforcing its squad before the Apertura 2026 kickoff. The club is already working on alternatives to cover the Italian’s absence, but time is running short. The Potosino fans hope the team can climb the table and, at least, avoid relegation concerns. The tournament starts in August and every point will be vital for the team’s goal: securing at least 30 points to ensure safety with room to spare.