After being absent for a month, 37-year-old Wang Dalei responds to doubts: ligament tear, strange that Taishan team didn't help explain

In the early hours of August 16 Beijing time, 37-year-old former national team goalkeeper Wang Dalei of Shandong Taishan updated his social media to address the questions from many fans about his prolonged absence from training.

Wang Dalei disclosed that he has a torn ligament in his ankle and needs to take some time to recover. He directly expressed that it is strange that the Taishan club did not publish any statement to explain his injury.

Wang Dalei wrote: "It's been almost a month, and no one has released my injury report. I really find it strange. From 2006 to 2026, this is my 20th season. It seems I have always played through minor injuries."

"In 2018, I tore my posterior cruciate ligament, which caused me to miss 9 games. In 2019, coach Lippi asked me, 'Do you want to play for the national team?' I decided not to rehabilitate in Germany but immediately returned to the national team to accompany them for the Asian Cup!"

"For me, pain is a daily routine. As long as I can stand on the pitch, I will give 100% for the team! I am very happy with Taishan's three consecutive wins, and I am also pleased with the growth of the young players!"

Regarding why he chose to explain now, Wang Dalei said: "To be honest, why did I post this? It's just because too many fans want to know what's going on with me. Why am I not training? What is the reason for not training or playing?"

"Then I want to tell you that I have a torn ligament in my ankle! I might need some time to recover. I train and rehab with my recovery therapist every day. Of course, you have all seen him!"

"I posted this just to tell those people to stop guessing. I am really injured!"

This season, Wang Dalei has played 16 CSL matches for Taishan, keeping two clean sheets with a total of 54 saves. However, after the match against Dalian Yingbo in the 19th round of the CSL on July 18, Wang Dalei has not appeared again.

However, Shandong Taishan has been in good form recently, winning three consecutive matches in the CSL and rising to third place in the league standings after 23 rounds.