Arsenal midfielder Viktoria Pelova has been dealt a devastating blow, suffering a severe knee injury that will require surgery and an extended period of rehabilitation.
The 25-year-old Dutch international was forced off the field just 12 minutes into the Netherlands’ UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier against Finland earlier this month.
Further testing has confirmed the worst, with Pelova set to miss a significant chunk of the upcoming season.
Pelova’s absence will be deeply felt at Arsenal, where she has become an integral figure under manager Jonas Eidevall since her arrival in January last year.
She played in all 22 of the Gunners’ WSL games last season, scoring twice and registering five assists.
Her injury comes as a significant blow to the team, who have already suffered a string of ACL injuries in recent years.
Beth Mead, Laura Wienroither, Leah Williamson, Teyah Goldie, and Vivianne Miedema have all succumbed to the same fate, highlighting the growing concern over player safety in women’s football.
Despite their extended injury list last season, Arsenal managed to secure a top-three finish in the WSL, just five points behind Manchester City in second.
The team’s squad depth in midfield, including Kyra Cooney-Cross and the returning Kathrine Kuhl, should help mitigate Pelova’s absence in the first half of the 2024/25 season.
However, her injury will be deeply felt, particularly in Arsenal’s Champions League qualifying campaign at the end of the summer.
Pelova’s absence will be a significant setback for Arsenal, who will be eager to improve on their disappointing round one exit last season at the hands of Paris FC.
The Gunners will need to rally together and find a way to overcome the loss of one of their key players.
With a long and challenging season ahead, Arsenal will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Pelova and a successful campaign despite her absence.
