Arsenal Star Pelova Faces Long Sideline After ACL Injury During International Match

Arsenal have confirmed that Victoria Pelova has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while on international duty with the Netherlands. The 25-year-old, who scored two goals and provided seven assists during the 2023-24 Women's Super League (WSL) campaign for the Gunners, is expected to undergo surgery in the coming days.

This is not the first time an Arsenal player has suffered an ACL injury. England pair Beth Mead and Leah Williamson were forced to miss the 2023 Women's World Cup due to similar injuries. Pelova's compatriot, Vivianne Miedema, also missed out on the tournament in Australia for the same reason.

In a statement, Arsenal said: "Victoria was substituted after her knee extended in the 12th minute of the Netherlands' UEFA Women's Championship qualifier in Tampere, Finland, and subsequently underwent testing to determine the extent of the injury. She will undergo surgery in due course and will be sidelined for an extended period."

Arsenal added, "We can confirm that Victoria Pelova suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament whilst on international duty."

We’ll be with you every step of the way, Vic ❤️

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) June 12, 2024

Pelova was one of the Gunners' most influential players during their third-place finish in the WSL. She created 30 chances from her 22 appearances, ranking third-highest in the squad behind Mead and Katie McCabe. Arsenal finished third in the league and also won the Women's League Cup.

ACL Injuries in Women's Football

ACL injuries have become a significant issue in women's football. In April, a new three-year project researching these injuries was launched to better understand and address this growing problem.

The project aims to identify risk factors and develop prevention strategies to reduce the incidence of ACL injuries among female footballers. This initiative is seen as crucial for safeguarding players' careers and enhancing their long-term health.

The recurrence of such injuries among top players highlights the need for continued research and improved medical protocols. As more data becomes available, it is hoped that effective measures can be implemented to mitigate these risks.