Melbourne Victory and Matildas midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight’s Liberty A-League season is over after rupturing her left Achilles tendon, putting her FIFA Women’s World Cup hopes in significant doubt.
Kellond-Knight suffered the injury at training on Friday, with scans confirming the full extent of the blow.
The 32-year-old has had a wretched run of injuries as of late, just recovering from a torturous run of knee injuries that sidelined her for the best part of two-and-a-half years.
She had featured 12 times this season for the reigning Liberty A-League champions before the injury, becoming a key part of their midfield trio.
“We’re all incredibly hurt and saddened by the news of Elise’s injury,” Victory coach Jeff Hopkins said.
“She has been an incredible contributor to our side, on and off the field, and we’re undoubtedly going to feel her loss as we head into the pointy end of the season.
“Now is the time for us to come together and support Elise at this difficult time and let her know that everyone at Melbourne Victory is with her for every step of her recovery.”
Kellond-Knight will now see a surgeon to determine the best process for her recovery.
“We are all heartbroken and completely devastated for Elise with this latest injury news,” Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said.
“KK is a fantastic person firstly and has been a complete professional in working diligently to return to the pitch. Her comeback to the Matildas in 2022 added invaluable passion, insight, mentorship, and experience over the recent camps.”
The veteran midfielder has 113 caps for Australia and was most recently in the Matildas Cup of Nations squad in February.
