By Sohaib Shams
The Football Association and the Women's Super League have announced a new research project to investigate anterior cruciate ligament injuries in women's football, following a series of high-profile cases among top players.
Collaboration with Imperial College London
The study is a collaboration with Imperial College London and knee surgeon Simon Ball. Sponsored by the FA, the PhD research will be conducted by Hanna Lehtovirta at Imperial College.
Scope and Methodology
Every club in the WSL and WSL2 will be invited to participate. Researchers will combine scientific data with the experiences of players and staff, comparing data from players who have suffered ACL injuries with those who have not. Interviews with players will also form part of the research.
High-Profile Cases Highlight Risk
Players such as Alexia Putellas, Sam Kerr, Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema, and Leah Williamson have all ruptured their ACLs in recent years. Previous research suggests female players face a higher risk of the injury than male counterparts. ACL ruptures typically require 6-9 months of recovery.
Impact on Major Tournaments
Williamson, who captained England to European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025, missed the 2023 World Cup after her injury weeks before the tournament. The Lionesses reached the final without her but lost to Spain. Putellas, who recently won the women's Ballon d'Or for a third time, also returned from the same injury and joined London City Lionesses earlier this year.
