I don't have enough information on Bennell's injuries to know what the precise truth is. That said, I think I posted years ago that my unreliable mail was that Gold Coast were happy to trade him as they had real concerns about his longevity in the game.
To my mind that raises the question as to whether there is imaging available that suggests he has complications of the torn muscles he sustained.
A quick read on possible issues can be found
here.
but to quote what I think are the relevant bits
"Factors associated with recurrent muscle injuries include: extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Extrinsic factors are premature return-to-play, inadequate training, muscle strength imbalances, decreased flexibility, increasing age, and history of prior injury. Intrinsic factors are persistent weakness in the injured muscle, reduced extensibility of the musculo-tendon unit due to residual scar tissue and adaptive changes in the biomechanics and motor patterns of sporting movements following the original injury"
I think it is a given that he has scar tissue.
"The healing of a muscle trauma can occur by means of two processes: through the regeneration of muscle fibres or through the formation of a fibrotic scar. In most cases, these processes are associated and are carried out simultaneously and competitively. In some cases, however, the balance between the two mechanisms can tilt towards the first or the second <snip> The fibrotic scar alters the muscle mechanic, reducing the contractile capacity of the muscle, and therefore, the ability to develop strength comparable to healthy muscular tissue"
Basically the medicos keep doing what they do because they have no other options. Has not worked yet and no reason to see why it will work in the future.
The argument about having him play a lesser role is, in my view, also likely to fail. An athlete is at risk of calf muscle tears while performing manoeuvres that require sudden and swift changes in direction leading to overstretching of the muscle. I think one of Bennell's strengths was his ability to change direction at speed.
I really would like to know what the medical report was, prior to his re-signing this year.
