Matildas midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight is all but out of the Women’s World Cup after rupturing her left Achilles during a training session with Melbourne Victory on Friday.
The Victory confirmed the campaign-ending injury in a statement on Saturday. The setback comes just months after her return to the national squad following an ACL injury.
The 32-year-old will see a specialist in the coming days to determine the best course of treatment.
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Melbourne Victory director of football John Didulica expressed his disappointment for Kellond-Knight in the lead-up to the home World Cup.
“Elise is one of the most incredible people and professionals in the game, and we are all heartbroken for her,” he said.
Also ruled out for the remainder of the A-League Women’s season, Victory head coach Jeff Hopkins said the squad was devastated to lose Kellond-Knight.
“She has been an incredible contributor to our side, on and off the field,” he said.
“We’re undoubtedly going to feel her loss as we head into the pointy end of the season.”
Kellond-Knight returned to the Matildas’ roster last November following an extended break after suffering an ACL tear in 2020.
In a Football Australia statement, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson echoed a similar sentiment.
“KK is a fantastic person firstly and has been a complete professional in working diligently to return to the pitch,” he 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.”
The Matildas will face England and France in international friendlies before coming up against the Republic of Ireland in the opening round of the World Cup on July 20.
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