Arsenal Women’s captain Kim Little will miss the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury sustained during a Champions League match.

• Arsenal Women’s captain Kim Little will miss the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury.
• The injury occurred during Arsenal’s UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final win over Bayern Munich.
• Little is expected to return for the 2023/24 season, with her rehabilitation process progressing well.

Arsenal Women’s captain Kim Little is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering a hamstring injury. The midfielder sustained the injury during Arsenal’s UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final victory over Bayern Munich on 29th March.

Subsequent tests have confirmed that the injury will keep Little sidelined until the summer, which is undoubtedly a significant setback for the team. Little has already begun her rehabilitation process, which is said to be progressing well.

Arsenal Women expect Little to be available for the start of preparations for the 2023/24 season.

The loss of their captain will undoubtedly be a blow for Arsenal Women, who will now have to navigate the remainder of the season without one of their most influential players. Little’s experience and leadership on the field will be sorely missed, and the team will need to adapt in her absence.

Despite the setback, Arsenal Women will be determined to continue their strong season and maintain their momentum in both domestic and European competitions.

Hamstring injuries

Hamstring injuries are classified into three grades based on their severity. These grades help medical professionals determine the extent of the injury and guide appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plans.

1. Grade 1 (Mild): A Grade 1 hamstring injury is a minor strain or pull, with only a few muscle fibres affected. There is usually mild pain and discomfort but no significant loss of strength or function. Recovery time for a Grade 1 injury is typically between 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the individual and the specific injury.
2. Grade 2 (Moderate): A Grade 2 hamstring injury involves a partial tear of the muscle fibres. This results in more pain, swelling, and possible bruising. The individual might experience difficulty walking or have a limited range of motion. Recovery time for a Grade 2 injury is usually between 4 to 8 weeks.
3. Grade 3 (Severe): A Grade 3 hamstring injury is a complete tear or rupture of the muscle, which can cause severe pain, swelling, and significant loss of function. This type of injury may require surgical intervention, depending on the location and extent of the tear. Recovery time for a Grade 3 injury can range from 3 to 6 months, or even longer, depending on the severity and the individual’s healing process.

It’s important to note that recovery times can vary depending on the individual, the quality of the rehabilitation program, and other factors. It’s crucial to follow the advice of medical professionals and adhere to a proper rehabilitation plan to minimise the risk of re-injury and ensure a full recovery.