Arsenal Face Major Setback as Chloe Kelly Suffers Serious ACL Injury During Training
Arsenal Women have been dealt a huge blow after forward Chloe Kelly suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during training this week. The devastating injury occurred just a day before the Gunners’ 2–0 UEFA Women’s Champions League victory over Benfica on Thursday night, and it’s expected to sideline the England international for several months.
The 27-year-old forward, best known for scoring England’s historic winning goal in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final, had recently been working hard to reclaim her place in Arsenal’s starting lineup. But her hopes of a strong comeback have been halted by one of football’s most feared injuries — an ACL rupture that will likely rule her out for the rest of the season.
A Cruel Blow for Club and Country
Kelly’s injury comes at a crucial time for both Arsenal and England. The Gunners are pushing for dominance on all fronts, including the Women’s Super League and the Champions League, while the Lionesses are gearing up for important international fixtures in the coming months.
Sources close to the club confirmed that Kelly went down during a training session earlier this week, clutching her knee in visible pain after an awkward landing. She was immediately assessed by medical staff before being sent for scans, which later confirmed the worst — a ruptured ACL.
In a statement released on Friday morning, Arsenal said:
“We can confirm that forward Chloe Kelly has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during training. Chloe is currently undergoing further assessment and will begin her rehabilitation program in the coming days. Everyone at the club wishes her a full and speedy recovery.”
The announcement has sparked an outpouring of support from teammates, fans, and fellow professionals across the football world. England captain Leah Williamson, who herself recovered from an ACL injury earlier this year, wrote on social media:
“Absolutely gutted for you, Chloe. You’ve overcome so much already — and I know you’ll come back stronger once again.”
Kelly’s Remarkable Journey
Kelly’s story is one of resilience and relentless determination. Born and raised in West London, she grew up playing street football with her brothers before joining Arsenal’s youth academy at a young age. After early stints at Everton and Manchester City, she returned to Arsenal last year in a high-profile transfer, bringing both her championship experience and explosive attacking flair.
Her career, however, has not been without its challenges. In 2021, Kelly suffered her first ACL injury while playing for Manchester City, which forced her to miss the Tokyo Olympics. She battled through months of rehab and made an inspiring return — culminating in her unforgettable Euro 2022 winner at Wembley, which cemented her as a national hero.
This latest setback will be a bitter pill to swallow, especially as Kelly was beginning to regain confidence after adapting to Arsenal’s tactical setup under manager Jonas Eidevall.
Manager’s Reaction
Speaking after Arsenal’s Champions League win over Benfica, Eidevall expressed deep sympathy for his player:
“It’s heartbreaking news for Chloe and for us as a team. She’s an incredible professional, always pushing herself and those around her. Injuries like this are tough, but we’ll give her every bit of support she needs. Knowing Chloe, she’ll come back stronger than ever.”
Eidevall also hinted that the club might need to reassess its attacking options heading into the January transfer window, given the growing list of injuries within the squad. With Kelly out, Arsenal will likely rely more heavily on Caitlin Foord, Beth Mead, and Vivianne Miedema, who recently returned from injury herself.
A Wider Issue in Women’s Football
Kelly’s injury once again raises concerns about the increasing number of ACL injuries in women’s football. In recent years, several top players — including Beth Mead, Leah Williamson, Alexia Putellas, and Sam Kerr — have suffered the same devastating setback.
Experts have pointed to a mix of factors, including pitch conditions, tight match schedules, and physiological differences that make female players more vulnerable to such injuries. The issue has sparked renewed calls for more research and better preventive measures within the women’s game.
Sports physiotherapist Dr. Emily Hartman, who has worked with several professional athletes, explained:
“ACL injuries are not only physically demanding but also mentally exhausting. The recovery process can take anywhere between nine and twelve months. What’s important is ensuring players have access to proper rehabilitation and mental health support during their recovery.”
Looking Ahead
While there’s no official timeline for Kelly’s return, early reports suggest she could miss up to nine months of action — potentially ruling her out for the remainder of the 2025 season and the start of England’s Euro 2026 qualifiers.
Despite the grim news, Kelly has already vowed to stay positive. In an Instagram post shared shortly after the diagnosis, she wrote:
“Heartbroken, but I’ve been here before and I know what it takes to come back. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with love and support. I’ll give everything to return stronger.”
Her message reflects the same fighting spirit that made her an icon in women’s football — a reminder that even in adversity, her resilience shines through.
Conclusion
For Arsenal, losing Chloe Kelly is a significant setback at a pivotal moment in the season. For England, it’s a worrying blow ahead of key tournaments. But for Kelly herself, this is another challenge — one she has faced before and overcome with remarkable courage.
As the football world rallies around her once more, fans can be certain of one thing: when Chloe Kelly returns, she will do so with the same fire, determination, and heart that have defined her journey from the streets of London to international glory.
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