Wales and Chelsea midfielder Sophie Ingle has been dealt a significant blow after suffering a serious knee injury during Chelsea’s pre-season victory over Feyenoord on 7 September. The 33-year-old sustained damage to her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), an injury that will see her sidelined for an extended period, affecting both her club and country in the coming months.
Chelsea confirmed the injury in an official statement, revealing that Ingle will soon undergo surgery to repair the damaged ligament. “Following assessment by the club’s medical team and a knee specialist, Sophie will soon undergo surgery before beginning a period of rehabilitation at the club,” the statement read. This devastating injury comes at a critical time for both Chelsea and Wales, leaving a major void in the heart of both teams’ midfield.
The Extent of the Injury
ACL injuries are among the most feared in football, often requiring a long recovery period that can stretch from six months to a year, depending on the severity. Ingle’s injury occurred in the second half of Chelsea win 9-0 vs Feyenoord, with manager Sonia Bompastor confirming that the midfielder was kicked early in the second half. While initially it seemed like a minor issue, further scans revealed the full extent of the damage.
For Ingle, who has been a consistent and influential figure for both club and country, the injury marks a significant setback. The 33-year-old has been a mainstay in Chelsea’s midfield, renowned for her versatility, leadership, and ability to dictate play from deep. Her absence will leave a major gap in Chelsea’s squad as they prepare for the new Women’s Super League (WSL) season.
Missing Wales’ Crucial Play-Offs
Ingle’s injury also comes at a particularly inopportune time for the Wales national team, which faces a critical Women’s European Championship 2025 qualifying play-off double-header against Slovakia in October.
Wales manager Gemma Grainger will now have to navigate these crucial fixtures without her midfield anchor, placing additional pressure on the squad to cope without their talismanic leader. Ingle has been pivotal to Wales’ recent campaigns, both in defense and midfield, and her absence could impact the team’s chances of securing a spot in the next stage of the qualification process.
Grainger, who had been counting on Ingle’s experience to guide the younger players in the squad, will now have to find alternatives to fill the void left by the 33-year-old. However, replacing a player of Ingle’s caliber—who boasts over 100 international caps—will be a daunting task for Wales as they look to keep their European Championship hopes alive.
A Major Blow for Chelsea
Ingle, who has been with Chelsea since 2018, has played a key role in the club’s domestic and European success in recent years. She has been a vital cog in Emma Hayes’ side, offering stability in midfield with her excellent positioning, tactical awareness, and ability to break up opposition attacks. Her leadership qualities, too, have been invaluable, especially in guiding younger players and maintaining the team’s high standards.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor will now have to adjust her plans for the season without Ingle, likely turning to other players in the squad to step up and fill the void.
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