Newspaper Headline

Since it was a current event when published, “had undergone” would not be newsworthy.
“successfully underwent” the surgery is simple past and acceptable.
“has successfully undergone” would also work.
“was successfully operated upon” leaves too many holes in the context: “operated upon” has to do with the ankle: How about, “France midfielder Frank Ribbery’s injured left ankle ‘was suc

Thank you very much for suggestions, wilpeter.

wilpeterHow about, “France midfielder Frank Ribbery’s injured left ankle ‘was successfully operated upon’ on Thursday.”

Actually I need to use words that just fit the blank space. That is the challenge with this exercise.

Then the first two suggestions will work, depending which tense you prefer.

Thank you.

Please help me with this:

“has successfully undergone”

Is it OK we use present perfect when the time of surgery is mentioned (on Thursday)?

Yes. It's a completed action in the current time period.

wilpeterYes. It's a completed action in the current time period.

I disagree. 'On Thursday' locates the operation in the past.

I guess I’m a little more relaxed than fivejedjon. I’m assuming the newspaper article is current rather than several days after Thursday. Better go with ‘past tense’ then.

Thank you to both of you.

wilpeterBetter go with ‘past tense’ then.

Yes, I have told the same to my students.