There are a number of big names set to miss the 2023 Women’s World Cup through injury, with reigning European champions England bearing the brunt of the bad luck.
In almost all cases, it is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The ACL is a ligament in the centre of the knee that prevents the shin bone, or the tibia, from moving forward on the thigh bone, the femur. These injuries almost always require surgery, and it can take more than a year to recover.
The Arsenal forward is considered one of the best female players in the world and her omission from the England squad through injury will be a devastating loss to the Lionesses.
Mead, 28, was in imperious form in last year’s European Championship, notching up the most goals (six) and assists (four) in the tournament and producing performances that were crucial to England’s victorious campaign.
She has been ruled out with an ACL injury sustained in late 2022.
The football gods have not been kind to England this year. Their captain, the versatile Williamson, who can play either at centre-back or in midfield, will miss this year’s tournament after suffering an ACL injury in April.
The 26-year-old Arsenal star’s performances at the heart of Sarina Wiegman’s defence were crucial in England’s Euro 2022 success. She will be another huge loss for the Lionesses.
The Arsenal forward ended the 2021-22 Women’s Super League campaign with an impressive 14 goals and eight assists, finishing just behind Australia’s Sam Kerr.
