Chelsea's Fox suffers ACL injury while on loan at Palace

Chelsea defender Jorja Fox has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while on loan at Crystal Palace, the Women's Super League (WSL) champions said on Thursday.

The 21-year-old, who signed a new three-year contract with Chelsea last month before joining Palace on loan, will return to her parent club to continue her rehabilitation.

Fox sustained a similar ACL injury in May 2023 while on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion. The England youth international is Chelsea's second player to suffer an ACL injury this week after midfielder Sophie Ingle.

"Chelsea can confirm that defender Jorja Fox has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while on loan at Crystal Palace," Chelsea said in a statement.

"Everyone at Chelsea would like to extend their best wishes to Jorja for her recovery."

Fox is the latest to join the list of WSL players to suffer an ACL injury which includes Chelsea striker Mia Fishel and Manchester City midfielder Jill Roord. Chelsea's Sam Kerr has been sidelined since January with a similar injury.

ACL injuries have been on the rise in women's sports. In December last year, European soccer governing body UEFA introduced a women's health expert panel to understand the rising cases of ACL injuries among women players.

The global soccer players union FIFPRO said an increased workload, travel, and insufficient rest have contributed to an increase in injuries including torn ACL among women professional players.

Chelsea host Aston Villa in their WSL season opener on Friday.