Within two weeks of Everton confirming that Italy’s Aurora Galli was the most recent player to be sidelined, a third player in the Women’s Super League suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The 27-year-old’sinjurycomes after that of Sophie Ingle, a midfielder for Chelsea and Wales, and Jorja Fox, a full-back for Crystal Palace who is on loan from Chelsea.
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Although the duration of their absence is unknown, it is unlikely that a player who suffered an ACL injury in September will return for the remainder of the campaign. Depending on the degree of ligament damage, recovery periods normally span six to twelve months.
“This week’s scan confirmed Galli’s injury, and the 27-year-old will now undergo rehabilitation at Finch Farm under the care of Everton’s medical team,” Everton said in a statement. Yaya [Galli] is in everyone’s thoughts and prayers at Everton as she continues to heal.
Elise Hughes, a forward for Crystal Palace, also suffered ACL damage in April, so this is Fox’s second ACL injury. Hughes is currently in a “pivotal stage of rehabilitation,” according to Laura Kaminski, manager of Crystal Palace. She also added, “She has moved outside in terms of running, so she gets to see the green stuff again and that’s a big turning point for her.”
The issue of ACL injuries in women’s sports has received a lot of attention lately. ACL injuries suffered earlier in 2024 have sidelined several WSL players, including Arsenal midfielder Victoria Pelova and Chelsea’s Sam Kerr and Mia Fishel.
Due to the same injury, Manchester City has been without Scotland goalkeeper Sandy MacIver since April. Additionally, one of their summer acquisitions, full-back Risa Shimizu of Japan, suffered an ACL tear at the Olympics.
Better news came for City’s midfield player Jill Roord, who suffered an ACL tear in January but should be ready to play against Brighton on Sunday in the WSL.
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