"ACL Injuries Cast Shadow on Women's World Cup 2023: Top Players Absent"

Several top players, including England captain Leah Williamson and Netherlands' Vivianne Miedema, will miss the upcoming Women's World Cup due to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, which are more prevalent in women's soccer. Studies show that females are three to six times more likely to experience ACL injuries compared to males. Experts attribute the higher risk to factors such as a lack of funding and resources for women's soccer, inadequate training facilities, and ill-fitting boots designed for men. The professionalization of women's soccer is relatively recent, and there is a need for more investment and support to reduce the rate of ACL injuries in the women's game.