Chelsea striker Mia Fishel faces ACL setback after ACL injury

Chelsea Football Club's Mia Fishel joins the growing list of women's football players grappling with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. 

The blow comes after the 22-year-old was hurt during international duty with the United States, marking Chelsea's second ACL injury in as many months, with teammate Sam Kerr ruled out in January.

Mia Fishel, who joined Chelsea from Mexican club Tigres in August on a three-year contract, made headlines on her debut by scoring a crucial goal in a 2-1 victory over Tottenham. 

The American forward has been a key player for Chelsea, contributing with appearances in 10 Women's Super League (WSL) matches this season and finding the net once.

Chelsea released a statement on Tuesday confirming Mia Fishel's ACL injury, saying, "Mia will be assessed by a specialist in the coming days and will then begin her rehabilitation with the club's medical team at Cobham." 

The club expressed their best wishes for Mia Fishel's recovery, acknowledging the impact this setback will have on the team.

This unfortunate incident sheds light on a broader concern within women's professional football, as highlighted in a report by the global soccer players union FIFPRO. The report attributes the rise in injuries, including torn ACLs, among women's players to increased workload, extensive travel, and insufficient rest. 

In response to these concerns, UEFA introduced a women's health expert panel in December 2023, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of ACL injuries and their prevalence in the women's game.

The ACL injury epidemic has affected not only Chelsea but also prominent players globally. England's Beth Mead and Leah Williamson, Dutch sensation Vivianne Miedema, and Canadian Janine Beckie all missed the 2023 Women's World Cup due to ACL injuries, underlining the severity of this issue.

USWNT interim head coach Twila Kilgore expressed her disappointment, saying, "I’m gutted for Mia, and I know the team and the entire staff is as well. She’ll come back strong and hopefully be in the mix for the next World Cup."