Tottenham's Jess Naz to Miss Season Due to ACL Injury

Tottenham Hotspur and England forward Jess Naz has been sidelined for the remainder of the season following a significant ACL injury. The 25-year-old sustained the injury during Spurs’ recent victory against Aston Villa on Sunday, requiring her to undergo surgery on her right knee.

This injury marks the second ACL setback for Naz, who previously missed the entire 2019-20 Women’s Super League season after injuring the ACL in her other knee. Her absence is a considerable setback for Tottenham, having featured in every match of the WSL season up to this point. Naz has also made six appearances for the England national team, recently competing against Brazil and Australia.

Her situation reflects a concerning trend within the England squad, as fellow players Michelle Agyemang and Katie Reid also face ACL injuries this season. Players and experts alike are voicing concerns over the demanding match schedules. England and Chelsea star Keira Walsh previously emphasized the necessity for football authorities to heed players' concerns regarding fixture congestion, arguing it relates to the increasing incidence of knee injuries.

Since the WSL season commenced, a growing number of players have suffered ACL injuries, including Agyemang, Maite Oroz, Marie Höbinger, Manu Zinsberger, Sophie Roman Haug, Jill Baijings, Reid, and now Naz. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for enhanced player welfare, safer scheduling, and improved measures for injury prevention in women’s football. Fans and teams alike will be eagerly awaiting updates as Naz embarks on her recovery journey, hoping for her swift return to both club and international football.