Accelerated Return to Sport Following Grade II Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain in a Collegiate Soccer Player

Abstract

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprains are among the most common 

knee injuries in soccer, yet evidence-based rehabilitation protocols 

tailored to the demands of collegiate-level competition remain limited. 

This case report describes the assessment, rehabilitation, and 

return-to-sport progression of a 21-year-old male collegiate soccer 

player who sustained a Grade II MCL sprain of the right knee during 

a competitive match. The patient presented with medial knee pain, 

localized swelling, and a positive valgus stress test at 30 degrees 

of flexion, with no evidence of concurrent ligamentous or meniscal 

pathology on magnetic resonance imaging. A six-week individualized 

rehabilitation protocol was implemented, comprising three phases: 

acute pain and swelling management, progressive neuromuscular and 

strength training, and sport-specific functional reintegration. The 

patient achieved full return to competitive play at week six, with 

restoration of symmetric limb strength, single-leg hop performance, 

and self-reported functional confidence. No re-injury was recorded 

at twelve-week follow-up. This case illustrates the feasibility of 

an accelerated, criterion-based return-to-sport approach for Grade II 

MCL sprains in competitive soccer players and highlights the 

importance of individualized progression over fixed time-based 

protocols.