Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that forward Jessica Naz has suffered an ACL tear in her right knee during the second half of the WSL match against Aston Villa at Brisbane Road. She collapsed after planting her foot and attempting to change direction. Her knee twisted inward, and she immediately called for assistance. Medical staff helped her off the pitch, and she will undergo surgery before beginning a lengthy rehabilitation process with the club.
Naz has been one of Tottenham’s most exciting attacking players this season. Her pace, quick feet and ability to create chances in transition have been central to the Spurs’ progress. She has also been pushing for a stronger role in the England setup, and her absence will be felt by both club and country.
Her injury comes during a period when ACL tears have become increasingly common in the women’s game. Many of these injuries occur during non-contact movements. Players plant a foot and twist too forcefully. Others land from a jump with their knee slightly caved inward. Sudden stops and rare instances of overextension can also cause the ligament to tear. These movements occur hundreds of times in a match, making injuries difficult to anticipate.
Several factors are believed to contribute to the rise in ACL injuries among women. Anatomical differences in hip and knee structure can place extra strain on the ligament during sharp movements. Hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle may affect ligament stability. In addition, some players feel that training loads, fixture congestion and travel schedules do not always reflect the specific needs of female athletes. Others point to issues such as limited access to tailored strength programs and football boots that are not always designed for the female foot.
Players who have experienced this injury often speak about the shock and severity of the moment. Leah Williamson once described her ACL rupture by saying that it felt like someone had hit a hammer through the middle of her knee. Many talk about the emotional and physical impacts, including the fear of losing momentum in their careers or missing major tournaments.
Naz now joins two other promising young Lionesses who have suffered ACL tears this season. Katie Reid sustained her injury during training while making a rapid direction change. Michelle Agyemang suffered hers after an awkward landing while pressing for England. All three had been building strong cases for future involvement in the senior national team.
With the next World Cup scheduled for 2027, the timing is significant. ACL rehabilitation typically lasts 9 to 12 months, and often even longer, before a player regains confidence and full match fitness. A lost season can affect competition for squad selection, tactical integration, and long-term development. Naz, Reid and Agyemang all fall into the age bracket where consistent playing time is crucial for establishing themselves as senior internationals.
The high number of ACL injuries this season has brought renewed attention to the issue across the sport. Coaches, medical staff and governing bodies are examining every factor from pitch quality to training loads to player support systems. As more research is produced, the hope is that future generations will benefit from improved understanding, better prevention strategies and safer environments.
For now, Tottenham and England will focus on supporting Jessica Naz through her recovery. She has already shown resilience in her career, and supporters will be hoping she returns stronger, fitter and ready to reclaim her place in both the WSL and the growing pool of England talent competing for the 2027 World Cup.
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