Overview

• Sylvan Ebanks-Blake began legal proceedings in the High Court today to claim more than £7 million for his alleged premature Premier League exit and ongoing health issues.
• His legal team argues Professor James Calder performed an ankle arthroscopy and microfracture in April 2013 without properly informing him of the significant risk of long-term pain and stiffness.
• Ebanks-Blake alleges the procedure accelerated osteoarthritis in his left ankle, forcing transfers from Wolves to Ipswich Town, Preston North End and eventually non-league football before he retired in 2019.
• Professor Calder’s defence contends the surgery was clinically justified by observed cartilage damage, that informed consent was obtained and that his intervention extended the player’s career.
• Mrs Justice Lambert is hearing the case in London with closing submissions scheduled for July 22.