West Ham United Women’s Lead First Team Physiotherapist, Elena Jobson offers injury update as we prepare to face Birmingham City.
Olli Harder will be without Adriana Leon, Lois Joel, Mackenzie Arnold and Leanne Kiernan for the visit of the Blues, as his side look to take maximum points in their hunt for WSL safety.
“We’re going through a tough period on the injury front at the moment and a few WSL teams seem to be experiencing this too,” Jobson began.
“Adriana Leon has fractured a bone in her foot and has opted to have surgery. She had that surgery on Friday and will be out for the remainder of the 2020/21 season.”
Lois Joel hasn’t featured since our defeat against Brighton back in February, with the defender also suffering from the same injury as teammate Leon.
“Lois has also fractured a bone in her foot. We hope to have her back before the end of the season, but it could be likely that we need to give her a little more time to recover fully.”
Australian goalkeeper, Mackenzie Arnold is also currently in the treatment room with an injury that was sustained during training.
“Mackenzie sprained her medial collateral ligament (MCL) during training in the lead up to the Chelsea match. We should have her back by the end of the season all going well.”
Leanne Kiernan has been limited to nine appearances in all competitions so far this season and hasn’t featured in the matchday squad since our 3-0 victory over Durham at the end of January.
“Leanne has been really unfortunate because she’s had two consecutive injuries. She has been suffering with shin splints, but she is back out on the pitch and progressing really well in the training that she is able to participate in.
“She’s been incredible to work with and is so motivated to get back out there and help the team. Hopefully she will be back within the next month or so.
“We have peaks and troughs in the season, you see it with every team in the league and unfortunately, our trough has come at this time.”
Everyone at West Ham United wishes Adriana, Lois, Mackenzie and Leanne all the best with their recoveries.