Christen Press to Undergo Fourth Surgery for ACL Injury Recovery
U.S. women’s national team forward, Christen Press, has announced that she will require a fourth surgery as part of her lengthy ACL injury recovery. Press suffered the ACL tear in June 2022 and has been working tirelessly to make a comeback to soccer. However, her recovery process has been challenging, and she expressed feeling misunderstood and un-understandable in a recent Instagram post.
The news of Press’ fourth surgery comes as a blow to her and her fans. She stated that while she doesn’t feel anxious to get back on the field and her identity isn’t lost by not playing, she is still determined to return to the pitch. Press emphasized that she is working every second of every day towards her goal of playing again.
During a USWNT press conference in Auckland, midfielder Andi Sullivan reacted to Press’ update, expressing empathy for her situation. Sullivan, who tore her left ACL in 2016, understands the difficulties of the recovery process. She acknowledged that it’s challenging when obstacles arise and change the expected timeline. Sullivan commended Press for her resilience and described her as an important part of the team both on and off the field.
ACL injuries are common in women’s football, and they often require extensive rehabilitation and recovery periods. In a related article, The Athletic explores the high risk of ACL injuries in women’s football and discusses potential prevention strategies.
Press revealed that she was advised by her surgeon and physical therapist to let go of her World Cup dream back in February. Despite the setbacks, she remains committed to her goals and continues to work towards them. Press is not the only notable name missing from the U.S. roster due to injury. Forward Mallory Swanson, center back Becky Sauerbrunn, and midfielders Catarina Macario and Samantha Mewis are also sidelined.
Although Sullivan is on her first World Cup roster, she acknowledged the contributions of her missing teammates. She emphasized that while the 23 players present at the tournament will give their all, they are aware that many others have played a role in their preparation throughout the cycle. Sullivan expressed her love and support for Press, highlighting the impact she has had on the team.
The road to recovery from an ACL injury is often long and challenging. It requires not only physical rehabilitation but also mental strength and determination. Press’ journey serves as a reminder of the resilience and dedication required to overcome such setbacks. Her determination to return to the field is an inspiration to athletes facing similar challenges.
As fans, we can support Press and other injured players by sending them messages of encouragement and understanding. It’s important to recognize that their absence from the field does not diminish their value or contributions to the team. They continue to play an essential role in supporting their teammates and contributing to the team’s success.
In conclusion, Christen Press’ ACL injury recovery has taken another turn with the announcement of her fourth surgery. Despite the challenges she has faced, Press remains determined to make a comeback. Her journey serves as a reminder of the resilience and dedication required in overcoming injuries. As fans, we can show our support by sending messages of encouragement and understanding to Press and other injured players.