From Mallory Swanson to Leah Williamson- Here Are the Injured Elite Women’s Soccer Players Who Will Be Absent From the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

The highly anticipated FIFA Women’s World Cup is finally just weeks away. Starting on July 20, the world’s best female players will be taking the field. Unfortunately, many stars like Mallory Swanson and Leah Williamson will miss the tournament due to ACL and other injuries that have become increasingly common in women’s soccer over the past year. Scientifically, female athletes are more likely to tear their ACLs than male athletes. This fact has thus taken a toll on some internationally renowned players’ participation in this year’s World Cup.

Here’s the list of women’s soccer players who are set to miss the upcoming World Cup and also whose appearances are doubtful.

Players who will miss the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

Mallory Swanson- First on the list is 25-year-old USWNT star, Mallory Swanson. Mallory Swanson was slated to be a starter for the USWNT in the World Cup due to her incredible recent form. However, her chances took a blow when she sustained an injury during the team’s friendly match against Ireland in April. Swanson tore her patella tendon and required surgery to repair the ligament.

Since patella tendon tears typically involve a minimum of six months for rehabilitation, Swanson will, unfortunately, be unable to compete in this year’s tournament.

Leah Williamson- A huge blow comes for the English fans in the form of Leah Williamson, the captain of the England National Team. Williamson is one of many female soccer players who have torn their ACLs. The injury occurred during April’s Arsenal vs Manchester United game and Williamson underwent surgery only weeks later. As a result of the injury, the World Cup dream has been cut short for the 26-year-old soccer star.

Vivianne Miedema- The Netherlands star Vivianne Miedema is another Arsenal star who tore her ACL. The all-time leading Dutch goal-scorer endured this serious injury in December. Following the injury, Miedema released a statement announcing that she would be unable to compete in the upcoming FIFA World Cup due to “surgery and rehab”.

Janine Beckie- Another star who suffered an ACL tear is the Canadian soccer star, Janine Beckie. In March Janine Beckie suffered this injury tear during a pre-season game for the NWSL’s Portland Thorns against the U.S Under-23 women’s national team. Shortly after the injury, she underwent surgery to repair her ACL. And also confirmed on Instagram that she will be unable to participate in this year’s FIFA World Cup due to the severity of the injury.

Fran Kirby- Another England star to miss the World Cup is 29-year-old midfielder, Fran Kirby. Fran Kirby has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a serious knee injury. The Chelsea forward sustained the knock in February during their League Cup victory over West Ham. Since then, the star has been out of action, and a statement revealed that she will be undergoing surgery.

The details of the injury have not been disclosed. But one thing is for sure: fans won’t be seeing any action from her at this year’s World Cup.

Sam Mewis- Another absence for the USWNT comes in the form of 30-year-old midfielder, Sam Mewis. Sam Mewis has been out of action on the court since August 2021 following a knee injury sustained at the Tokyo Olympics. Following 17 months and another surgery in January, she reported that she does not “have a timeline for her return to soccer”. Given the extent of the injury, she is most likely out of the World Cup.

Players whose participation in the World Cup remains uncertain

Beth Mead- Another ACL tear incident from Arsenal comes in the form of England forward, Beth Mead. Beth Mead suffered an unfortunate ACL tear during a Woman’s Super League match in November. Although rehab has been going well so far, it is unlikely she will feel prepared for the World Cup in July as ACL tears can take months to recover from. Although her participation in the tournament remains uncertain, Mead is still hard at work on her recovery. However, who knows with a bit of luck, a miracle might prevail, and fans may yet get to see her perform.

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Christen Press- One of the most serious of injuries has to be of USWNT star Christen Press. Christen Press has been out of action since last June due to a season-ending injury when she tore her ACL during the NWSL season. Following that in just eight months, she has gone through three surgeries on the same knee. Currently, she is in the “return-to-play protocol,” as reported by USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski. Also, reports reveal that she is in the final stages of her rehabilitation with hopes for a return to the field soon.

Tobin Heath- Another USWNT star in the “return-to-play protocol,” is the 34-year-old forward Tobin Heath. Tobin Heath encountered a series of unfortunate events since the 2021-22 season. While playing for Arsenal, she suffered a hamstring injury which required her to end her contract and return home to the USA for treatment. After recuperating, she moved on to OL Reign in NWSL; however, this stint was cut short as well due to issues with her knee.

She went through surgery in September to correct the problem and has since been out of action. Her status as “return-to-play protocol” with U.S. Women’s National Team indicates there may still be hope for her return, although the exact details are still unconfirmed.

Catarina Macario- Another USWNT star with a knee injury who has been sidelined is Catarina Macario. In June, she suffered an ACL tear, which prematurely ended her season. However, her recovery process is going well and there remains some hope that she may return in time for the FIFA World Cup competition this summer. Ultimately, though, the decision on whether she will join the squad will fall to head coach Vlatko Andonovski. Only he can decide if her rehabilitation has progressed enough for her to compete at an international level again.

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It is clear that this year’s World Cup will be missing some of its big names. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.