Midfielder Jess Fishlock is set to miss all four of Wales’ European qualifiers in 2019 after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
The 32-year-old sustained the injury while playing for club side Reign FC, who defeated Utah Royals 2-0 in the National Women’s Soccer League.
A key figure for her country, she will be out of contention for the trips to Faroe Islands and Belarus, as well as the home and away fixtures against Northern Ireland.
“You have got to ride the highs and lows. Those who know me, know I will come back soon, stronger & better,” Fishlock stated on Twitter.
“I appreciate those reaching out, I will never forget your kind words in my moment of heart break.”
I always say life comes at ya hard & fast
— Jessica Fishlock MBE (@JessFishlock) July 3, 2019
CL Medal, player of month, torn ACL.
Gotta ride the highs & lows.
Those who know me, know I will come back soon.. stronger & better 💁🏼♂️
I appreciate those reaching out, I will never forget your kind words in my moment of heart break. ❤️
Wales’ record cap holder told BBC Sport: “When you get injured it’s a terrible feeling anyway, but when you get injured and you’ve been playing well it’s a sucker punch.”
Fishlock had recorded three goals and one assist in five matches with her club, who currently sit third in the table.
She was also named NWSL player of the month in June.
Outlining when she plans to return to football, she said: “With regards to my rehab and with regards to coming back, I’m not worried at all.
“I’ll be back early next year.”
Wales head coach Jayne Ludlow admitted that Fishlock’s injury will be a setback for the squad.
“She’ll be a huge miss for us, but what we have to do as a squad is make sure we do her proud.
“For the next few months that she won’t be involved we have to step up and we have to perform to the levels that she’d expect us to perform at.”
Wales face Faroe Islands in their opening EURO 2021 qualifying game on August 29.
(Featured image: Will Cheshire)
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