Legendary bullfighter Morante de la Puebla has a long road to recovery ahead of him following a brutal goring at the Rael Maestranza of Sevilla on Monday night.
The matador will have to wait at least 10 days before a proper prognosis can be given, doctors revealed on Tuesday.
The Sevilla-born icon has been left with a 10cm wound after the bull’s horn perforated his rectum and damaged his sphincter.
The incident unfolded during Monday’s corrida when the fourth bull of the afternoon turned suddenly during the opening exchange, catching the torero off guard.
The bull, from the Garcia Jimenez ranch, showed little initial aggression before launching a sudden charge, local reports said.
Morante was struck in the gluteal area and lifted by the horn, before being knocked down and trampled from behind.
While the external wound appeared limited, doctors later confirmed the internal damage was far more serious.
Major surgery after severe internal injuries
The matador was rushed to surgery inside the bullring, where he was treated by surgeon Octavio Mulet.
Medical reports confirm a deep goring of around 10cm affecting the anal and rectal area, including partial damage to the sphincter and a perforation of the rectum. The injuries require complex reconstructive surgery.
‘He arrived in significant pain but stable,’ Mulet explained. ‘This is not just about severity, but complexity, it’s a very delicate area.’
Following the operation, Morante was transferred to a hospital in Sevilla for further monitoring and recovery.
Spine fears ruled out
There were initial fears of additional injuries after the bull stepped on his back during the incident.
However, early examinations have ruled out spinal damage, offering some reassurance after an otherwise deeply concerning episode.
A long and uncertain recovery
The nature of the injury means recovery will need to be closely monitored in the coming days.
Doctors have warned that no clear prognosis can be given yet, with a key period of at least 10 days needed to assess how the wound heals.
It is not clear if his future appearances are now at risk, including two events in Marbella this summer.
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