Arsenal Women have confirmed that midfielder Victoria Pelova has ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while on international duty with the Netherlands. An injury sidelined the 25-year-old just 12 minutes into the Netherlands’ 1-1 Euro 2025 qualifying draw against Finland. Subsequent tests confirmed the severity of the injury, with Pelova set to undergo surgery and face an extended period on the sidelines.
In a statement, Arsenal said: “(Pelova) will undergo surgery in due course and will be sidelined for an extended period. Everyone at the club will now be supporting Victoria through her recovery and return to action.”
Pelova’s injury is a significant setback for Arsenal, a team plagued by ACL injuries in recent seasons. Last season, forwards Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema both suffered ACL injuries. Followed by defender Leah Williamson and midfielder Laura Wienroither.
The issue of ACL injuries is a growing concern in women’s football globally. At the Women’s World Cup last summer, ACL injuries sidelined around 37 players, including reigning Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas. In January, at least 13 Women’s Super League players were undergoing ACL rehabilitation, including Chelsea and Australia striker Sam Kerr.
High-profile players such as Williamson and Mead have criticized the lack of urgency from football authorities in addressing what many see as an “epidemic” of ACL injuries in the women’s game. Williamson has called the fixture calendar “unsustainable,” warning that it risks depleting the game of its best players. Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has also urged FIFA and UEFA to examine injury research. Which indicates that the majority of ACL injuries occur within 10 days of transitions between club and international play.
A FIFPro report last year highlighted that increased workloads and congested fixture schedules are contributing to a rise in ACL injuries among elite female footballers. Critics have heavily criticized this summer’s international breaks, calling for more consideration for player rest periods.
Recovery from ACL injuries typically takes around nine months, but returning to full match fitness can take even longer. Consequently, Pelova is likely to miss the majority of the upcoming season. Posing a significant challenge for Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall.
Pelova had become a key player in Arsenal’s midfield alongside Lia Walti and Kim Little. While Arsenal has other options, such as Frida Maanum and Kathrine Kuhl, the team will sorely miss Pelova’s intelligence and playing style as they prepare for the new season.
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