A third Women’s Super League player has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury within two weeks as Everton announced that Aurora Galli, the Italy midfielder, is the latest to be sidelined. The 27-year-old’s setback follows injuries to Chelsea and Wales midfielder Sophie Ingle and Crystal Palace full-back Jorja Fox, who is on loan from Chelsea. The duration of their absences is uncertain, but a player sustaining an ACL injury in September is unlikely to return this season. Recovery typically takes between six to 12 months, depending on the extent of the ligament damage.
Everton stated: “A scan this week confirmed Galli’s injury, and the 27-year-old will now undergo rehabilitation at Finch Farm under the care of Everton’s medical team. Everyone at Everton is thinking of Yaya [Galli] and wishes her all the best with her recovery.” This is the second ACL injury for Fox, while Crystal Palace forward Elise Hughes also sustained ACL damage in April. Crystal Palace manager Laura Kaminski noted that Hughes is at a “pivotal stage of rehabilitation,” adding: “She has started running outdoors, which is a significant milestone for her.”
The issue of ACL injuries in women’s football has recently come into sharp focus. Several WSL players are still recovering from ACL injuries sustained earlier in 2024, including Chelsea’s Sam Kerr and Mia Fishel, and Arsenal midfielder Victoria Pelova. Manchester City has been without Scotland goalkeeper Sandy MacIver since April due to the same injury, and one of their new summer signings, Japan full-back Risa Shimizu, also suffered an ACL injury at the Olympic Games. There was better news for City midfielder Jill Roord, who ruptured her ACL in January but is expected to be fit for the WSL match against Brighton on Sunday.
