Australia midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight is facing an extended spell on the sidelines ahead of this summer’s Women’s World Cup after suffering a ruptured Achilles.
The 32-year-old sustained the injury to her left tendon while training with her club Melbourne Victory and has been subsequently ruled out of the rest of the A-League season.
The club did not provide details regarding her participation in the World Cup, which Australia will co-host with New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.
The A-League term ends in April but a ruptured Achilles can take several months to heal.
Melbourne Victory said Kellond-Knight would have a surgical consultation in the coming days.
The veteran player, who has earned more than 100 caps since her debut in 2007, made her national team comeback last November following a two-and-a-half-year absence, having suffered an ACL tear in 2020.
“We are all heartbroken and completely devastated for Elise with this latest injury news,” Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson said.
“KK is one of the strongest and most resilient people and players I have coached, and our team, our staff and Football Australia as an organisation will surround her with strong care and backing during a difficult time.”
Australia will face Ireland in Sydney in their opening match…
