Sekiwake Wakatakakage, who had been shaping as one of the top candidates for promotion to sumo's second-highest rank of ozeki, has been ruled out of action for up to a year after undergoing knee surgery, his stablemaster said Friday.
Wakatakakage damaged the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus of his right knee while wrestling komusubi Kotonowaka during last month's Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka and subsequently withdrew from the final two days of the 15-day competition.
The popular 28-year-old, who won his first grand tournament in March last year, has held the sport's third-highest rank for seven straight tournaments. But a prolonged absence could see him drop from the top-tier makuuchi division to as low as the third-tier makushita.
"I've heard it'll take between half a year to a year for him to return (to action)," stablemaster Arashio said. "I'll speak with him and determine his condition."
Wakatakakage had reconstructive surgery on the damaged ligament early this month. The Fukushima Prefecture native has already been discharged from hospital and is concentrating on his rehab and recovery.
"He's still young and has the talent. I won't be pushing him until he gets the injury nursed properly," Arashio said.
Wakatakakage, a four-time Technique Prize winner, finished the Spring meet with a 7-7-1 record.
