Jess Fishlock Vows To Make Rapid Return From Serious Injury

Jess Fishlock has vowed to make a full recovery from the serious knee injury that will keep her on the sidelines for the rest of the year.

The Wales striker has suffered a torn knee ligament playing for Reign FC against Utah Royals in the USA’s National Women’s Soccer League.

It means Fishlock – Wales’ most experienced player with 113 caps – will miss the opening four qualifiers of Wales’ Euro 2021 campaign which begin in the new season.

The anterior cruciate tear will require an operation and is expected to keep the 32-year-old out for a minimum of six months.

“I am obviously disappointed by the injury, but am confident in my ability to make a quick return early next year,” said Fishlock

“The word from the medical team has been super encouraging, so I expect to get the surgery behind me quickly and begin the rehab process next week.”

The injury comes just as Fishlock had scaled new heights in her club career by collecting a Women’s Champions League winners’ medal in May on loan at French club Lyon.

Wales begin their campaign away to the Faroe Islands on 29 August, before playing Northern Ireland home and away either side of a fixture in Belarus.

Wales coach Jayne Ludlow said: “She’ll be a huge miss for us, but what we have to do as a squad is make sure we do her proud.”

Reign FC majority owner Bill Predmore said: “We are heartbroken for Jess, but know that her tenacity and resilience will help her make a quick return to the pitch.

“The reports back from the medical team have been really encouraging – beyond the ACL tear there was no additional damage. She’ll have surgery on Monday and the guidance we’re being provided is that she should easily be ready to go well before preseason.”