Jessica Naz Faces Heartbreaking Setback: ACL Injury Sidelines Lionesses & Tottenham Star for Remainder of 2025-26 Season
The women's football community is reeling from the news of Jessica Naz's devastating ACL injury, which has abruptly ended her standout season with Tottenham Women and cast a shadow on her future. This blog post delves into the details of her injury, the impact on her team, and the wider implications for player welfare in the Women's Super League.

Lionesses and Tottenham Women's star Jessica Naz has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a devastating ACL injury - the second of her career. The 25-year-old limped off during Spurs’ Women’s Super League victory over Aston Villa on Sunday, and scans confirmed a rupture in the anterior cruciate ligament of her right knee.Tottenham announced on Tuesday that Naz will undergo surgery, ending what had been a standout campaign. Her absence adds to a growing list of ACL casualties across the Women’s Super League, sparking fresh concerns over player welfare in the women’s game. Naz’s injury follows the sidelining of England team-mate Michelle Agyemang, Liverpool pair Marie Hobinger and Sophie Roman Haug, Aston Villa’s Jill Baijings, Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger and Spurs midfielder Maite Oroz, all of whom suffered ACL tears in October. Arsenal teenager Katie Reid then sustained the same injury in November.For Naz, the news is especially cruel. Five years ago, she tore the ACL in her left knee during a pre-season camp in Spain, an injury that kept her out for around 18 months. Her return from that long rehabilitation was widely celebrated, and she has since become one of Tottenham’s most influential players. She has featured in all 10 of Spurs’ WSL matches this season, helping them to a strong fifth-place position just two points behind Chelsea in second.Tottenham have said in an official statement: "We can confirm that Jessica Naz has suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury in her right knee. The England international forward sustained the injury during the second half of Sunday’s Barclays Women’s Super League match against Aston Villa at Brisbane Road, and will undergo surgery. Jess will then commence her rehabilitation process with our medical staff. Everyone at the Club gives Jess their full love and support on her recovery journey."Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!While ACL injuries have plagued the women’s game for years, the frequency this season has alarmed medical experts. Urgent studies are being undertaken, including FIFA-funded research into whether hormonal cycles, training load, pitch type and fixture congestion are contributing factors.Tottenham must now navigate the winter period without one of their most dynamic attackers. They face Manchester United in the WSL this weekend in a match that could shape the race for European qualification. The two sides will meet again shortly after in the League Cup quarter-finals before the season pauses for the winter break. Naz, who made her debut for the Lionesses in July 2024 and has since amassed six international caps, will play no part in any of those fixtures, and her road to recovery is expected to stretch well into next year. For a player who has already endured one long rehabilitation, the prospect of another gruelling recovery period is a harsh twist in a season that had promised so much.
The Injury Blow
The 25-year-old Lionesses and Tottenham Women's star, Jessica Naz, suffered a heartbreaking setback during Spurs’ Women’s Super League clash with Aston Villa, where she had to be helped off the field due to a suspected ACL injury. Subsequent scans confirmed the fears - a rupture in the anterior cruciate ligament of her right knee, marking her second encounter with this career-altering injury.
The Ramifications
Naz's injury not only derails her own impressive season but also adds to the growing list of ACL casualties in the Women's Super League. With players like Michelle Agyemang, Marie Hobinger, and others also sidelined with similar injuries, concerns over player welfare and injury prevention in the women's game have reached new heights.
Tottenham's Response
Tottenham swiftly announced that Naz would undergo surgery to address the ACL injury, paving the way for a lengthy rehabilitation process. The club expressed full support for the forward, emphasizing their commitment to her recovery journey and providing her with the necessary medical care and attention.
The Road to Recovery
For Jessica Naz, this setback comes as a cruel twist of fate, having previously battled a left knee ACL injury that sidelined her for an extended period. Her absence will be keenly felt by Tottenham, especially as they navigate crucial fixtures in the WSL and League Cup without one of their key performers.
Looking Ahead
As the footballing community grapples with the frequency of ACL injuries this season, urgent studies are underway to explore potential contributing factors. The focus on player well-being and injury prevention has never been more critical, with Naz's unfortunate situation serving as a poignant reminder of the physical toll that the sport can exact.





