Arsenal today confirmed that Arsenal Women forward Danielle Carter has ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament again. Carter previously ruptured her ACL last May, returning to action again in March this year.
With Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema unavailable, Carter started the Emirates Cup clash against Bayern Munich Frauen last month. She collapsed in agony during the second half as her knee buckled beneath her on the turf.
She was immediately stretchered off and required oxygen. She left the stadium on crutches and in a knee brace on Sunday. This was her first start since her last ACL rupture. This injury is, unfortunately, to the same knee.
— Danielle Carter (@DanielleCarter) July 29, 2019
Scans taken since have unfortunately confirmed the worst. Carter will likely miss the entirety of the 2019-20 season having missed the majority of the last season, which is desperately unfortunate for her and for Arsenal.
But she need only look to US forward Megan Rapinoe for inspiration, who has also ruptured her ACL twice and still managed to win two World Cups and an Olympic gold. Let’s hope there is a similar light at the end of this dark tunnel for Dan.
An Arsenal statement read: “We’re disappointed to confirm that Danielle Carter has suffered another rupture to her anterior cruciate ligament in her knee.
“The injury occurred during our Emirates Cup clash against Bayern Munich last month – and Danielle has since been working hard to prepare for surgery.
“The operation will take place in the next few weeks, after which she will begin her rehabilitation programme immediately.
“Everyone at the club will be supporting Danielle fully on her journey back to fitness, and we are all wishing her a speedy recovery.”
Good luck, Danielle.
Get well soon Danielle. Good luck!
That must be devastating news for Dani Carter, yet alone Arsenal Women.
Let’s hope she makes a full and speedy recovery and comes back better than ever.
I remember about her heartbreaking recovery story, how every day is a long list of struggles, how you cannot get frustrated and try to take a giant leap as it just sets you back more.. this woman is fascinatingly strong. She will get back for sure, best wishes Dani
This is awful. Our thoughts are with her. Hope she can remain positive and strong.
I just don’t believe it!
Being the same knee was it as strong as everyone thought it was?
In this era of professionalism in women’s football I wonder if some of the money now being generated could be used to fund some research into why this is such a common injury for the female players.
We all have our theories but some concrete scientific data and recommendations on how the risk can be minimised will not be a bad thing.
Anyway wishing Dan a full recovery and hope that 2020/2021 will be her season!
Hear, hear!
There is a little research. My general understanding is that because women are wider at the hip, the knees take more stress and are more unstable.
That is one of the theories out there but what exactly causes the problem? Over-extension, lateral loading or twisting of the knee etc. etc?
Could boot design be modified to provide more supportive soles or more appropriate studs specifically for women?
Is there additional physio that women could undergo while they have fit and healthy knees to strengthen the ligaments? Prevention must be better than cure especially when the cure wipes out a season and you can never be certain that the repaired ligament is as strong as it was originally.
These were the thoughts I was having.
So it was as bad as it looked. Please look after her Arsenal
That’s desperately sad news, imagine going through all that she has and then her first fucking game back she has to go through it all again…stay strong Dani
GUTE Besserung Dan
The poor, poor girl. Back for 5 minutes and this happens. And in a pre-season friendly! This is devastating. Stay strong, Dan, and come back as soon as you can.
Get well soon, Danielle!!!
Good luck and get well soon Dan ❤
I love her. One player that made me start following Arsenal women.
Hope she gets well soon!
Oh ffs talk about bloody awful luck. She is a lovely lass and been a great player for the ladies over the years.
Keep your chin up Danielle, we are thinking of you X
Recovering from the same injury myself right now! So I genuinely feel your pain Danielle, all the best
🙁
Get better soon, Danielle.
The wider Arsenal family wishes you the best.