Denzel Valentine Injury: Updates on Michigan State G's Knee Surgery and Return

Michigan State Spartans star Denzel Valentine was recently sidelined while he recovered from arthroscopic surgery after injuring his knee during practice on Dec. 20, but he is ready to return to the court. 

Continue for updates.

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Valentine Active vs. Penn State

Sunday, Jan. 10

Head coach Tom Izzo announced Valentine would play on Sunday. Valentine entered the game off the bench in the first half.

Valentine told reporters on Jan. 2 that he expected to return against Penn State.

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Izzo Comments on Valentine's Recovery

Friday, Jan. 8

"I love Denzel, but if Cleaves can’t talk me into playing him ... I was afraid of Cleaves," said Izzo after Valentine sat against Illinois, per Joe Rexrode of the Detroit Free Press.

Rexrode also clarified that Valentine is medically cleared to play, noting Izzo just wants to be sure he's ready to play before committing.

According to Rexrode, Izzo announced on Dec. 21 that Valentine underwent surgery and would be out of action for two to three weeks. 

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Valentine Essential to MSU's Title Hopes

Valentine is arguably the team’s best overall player as a 6’5” guard with the ability to hit three-pointers or attack the basket against smaller defenders. He averaged career highs in points (14.5), rebounds (6.3) and assists (4.3) per game last season and shot 41.6 percent from three-point range.

Valentine is currently averaging 18.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game this season while shooting 40 percent from three-point range.

He was also the only Michigan State player to start every game in 2014-15 for Izzo.

Valentine is the senior leader on a team with Final Four aspirations even after it lost Branden Dawson and Travis Trice. With his experience and his ability to impact the game in a number of ways, Valentine is the most important player on the roster.

Others will need to continue stepping up as Valentine works his way back despite his return, including sharpshooting freshman Matt McQuaid and senior leader Bryn Forbes. Forbes is a capable scorer who can drill shots from deep, but he also needs to serve as a floor general in the backcourt until Valentine is 100 percent.

The Spartans have enough depth to survive a short-term absence from their leader, but it will be challenging to win the national title if Valentine misses time in the spring.