Panathinaikos forward Pavlos Pantelidis out 4-6 months after compound leg fracture in training friendly
The 23-year-old winger underwent surgery late on July 31 after a compound tibia-fibula fracture and ligament damage suffered against Athens Kallithea, adding to the club's injury crisis.
Injury in a preseason friendly
On Friday, July 31, 2026, Panathinaikos played a 45-minute training friendly (30' + 15') against Athens Kallithea at the "G. Kalafatis" training centre. In a seemingly innocuous moment, 23-year-old winger Pavlos Pantelidis was caught by a hard tackle near the corner flag. He left the pitch unable to walk, supported by medical staff. Initial tests revealed a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula, a rupture of the inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis, and a torn deltoid ligament.
Immediate surgery
Given the severity of the damage, immediate surgical repair was deemed necessary. Pantelidis was taken to the operating theatre late that same Friday night. The procedure was performed by Dr. Dionyssis Chissas, head of Panathinaikos's medical staff, together with team doctor Charis Lalo. The club confirmed the surgery was completed successfully, and his condition will be monitored closely during the rehabilitation phase.
Recovery and timeline
The first medical estimate points to an absence of four to six months. That timeline would keep Pantelidis out of action until at least late November 2026, and possibly until early February 2027. Regular reassessments are planned, but the initial outlook is a lengthy lay-off. Club sources emphasised their support, with a shared message that he should return healthy and even stronger.
- Compound fracture and ligament damage in training friendly against Athens Kallithea.
- Undergoes surgery performed by Dr. Dionyssis Chissas and Dr. Charis Lalo.
- Projected return to action after 4-6 months of rehabilitation.
Worsening injury crisis
The setback for Pantelidis is the latest in a worrying streak for Panathinaikos ahead of the 2026–27 season. Central defender Sverrir Ingi Ingason is already sidelined with a complete anterior cruciate ligament rupture, while full-back Giannis Kalambrias is recovering from a lateral meniscus injury. Head coach Rasmus Nistrup now has to cope with the loss of another squad member before competitive matches have begun.
Player background
Pantelidis joined Panathinaikos in January 2025 from Kifisia, a move widely described as a significant step in his career. Across the remainder of that season, he made 11 first-team appearances and provided one assist. The young forward had been aiming to push for more playing time and establish himself in Nistrup's plans when the injury struck in a low-key training match.
