Wellesley Grace Wisnewski’s season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury has confirmed Phoenix’s worst fears.
Scan results have confirmed the worst for Wisnewski, who was taken off the pitch in the first twenty seconds of Saturday’s 2-1 Liberty A-League victory over Brisbane Roar, raising fears.
The 21-year-old midfielder will miss the rest of the 2023–24 season due to an ACL tear.
According to Phoenix head coach Paul Temple, “it’s heartbreaking for her.” Simply said, it’s something that no athlete should ever witness, especially a young one at the beginning of the season.
“ACL injuries are the worst thing that can happen to players since they virtually guarantee that the season will end.
“Just incredibly sad for her and disappointed that the remainder of the season won’t allow us to see her again.”
The Phoenix, who have had an incredible start to the Liberty A-League season, are devastated.
Wellington is now only three points behind Perth Glory in third place in the standings after winning back-to-back games for the first time in team history.
On Sunday, the Phoenix take on Western United, the Grand Finalists from the previous season, at Sky Stadium.
“It is evident from the statistics that female athletes have a higher risk of ACL injuries, so we need to investigate further ways to help female athletes,” Temple stated.
We simply cannot continue at this pace, therefore we must consider every factor that could have an impact, including the caliber of the pitches, the pre-season schedules, the size of the squads and the benches.
“We really need to consider the demands we are placing on these athletes, and limiting the duration of the preseason is a good place to start.
“In five weeks, each squad is expected to prepare, with an international window falling in the midst. Simply said, there isn’t enough time to get the athletes ready for the lengthier season ahead of them.
“I’m not a medical expert, and there can’t be a single factor at blame, but common sense dictates that we should be providing athletes with more support as we ask them to do more.”
