Chelsea lose third star to ACL injury as Sophie Ingle joins Sam Kerr and Mia Fishel on sidelines ahead of start of WSL season

Sophie Ingle has become the third Chelsea player to sustain an ACL injury this year, after both Sam Kerr and Mia Fishel.

Ingle sustained an ACL injury during a friendly against Feyenoord on September 7th. She came off the bench at half-time and was forced off in the 74th minute. She follows Kerr and Fishel in sustaining the same injury.

Ingle has been asssessed by Chelsea’s medical staff and now faces surgery and an extended period on the sidelines. It is a major blow for the Blues, who kick off their season in just four days against Aston Villa.

Ingle is the Women’s Super League’s all-time record appearance holder, with 192 to her name. She is also a Wales international with 139 caps but now faces a significant race against time to be fit for Euro 2025, which Wales could still qualify for.

Chelsea play Villa in just four days and must find a way to account for Ingle’s absence. They are the defending WSL champions.