Vivianne Miedema will undergo surgery on her ruptured ACL in January and expects to miss the World Cup in the summer before returning ‘early next season’.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15: Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal is stretchered off after picking up a serious leg injury during the UEFA Women's Champions League group C match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyon at Emirates Stadium on December 15, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 15: Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal is stretchered off after picking up a serious leg injury during the UEFA Women’s Champions League group C match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyon at Emirates Stadium on December 15, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Earlier this week, Arsenal confirmed that Vivianne Miedema had ruptured her ACL in the game against Lyon in the Champions League (more below).

The Arsenal forward was on crutches as she attended the BBC Sports Personality Awards on Wednesday night to support her teammate and partner, Beth Mead. Mead, who won the award, was also on crutches after rupturing her own ACL recently.

Soeaking to the press at the event, Miedema was asked about taking part in the World Cup that takes place in Australia and New Zealand between 20 July 2023 and 20 August.

“It will take a very long time [to recover],” Miedema said at the BBC SPOTY awards.

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“If all goes well, I will have surgery in early January. And from there I have to take small steps.

“I hope to be fit again early next season.

“The World Cup? That’s not realistic.

“Of course I really want to go to the World Cup. But I hope that after this I can continue playing football for a few more years and it just entails such a big risk.”

19 December 2022

Arsenal have confirmed that Vivianne Miedema has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines alongside Beth Mead.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15: Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal lies on the ground after picking up a serious leg injury during the UEFA Women's Champions League group C match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyon at Emirates Stadium on December 15, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 15: Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal lies on the ground after picking up a serious leg injury during the UEFA Women’s Champions League group C match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyon at Emirates Stadium on December 15, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Last month, Arsenal confirmed that Beth Mead would likely miss the Women’s World Cup in the summer as she underwent surgery on a ruptured ACL.

Now, the club have confirmed the same injury for her strike partner, meaning that Miedema is likely to also miss the tournament.

A statement on Arsenal.com, said, “We can confirm that Vivianne Miedema suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during our UEFA Women’s Champions League match against Lyon at Emirates Stadium on Thursday.

“Viv will undergo surgery in the coming days and will unfortunately be ruled out for an extended period of time. A more detailed timescale will be established once the operation is complete.

“Everyone at Arsenal wishes Viv well in her recovery and will be providing her with all the support she needs to return to action as soon as possible.”

The usual recovery time for an ACL injury is eight-to-nine months.

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