Ipswich Midfielder Charlotte Fleming Sustains ACL Injury

Ipswich Town midfielder Charlotte Fleming, who joined the club in the summer after playing for Watford last season, is expected to be out for a “significant spell on the sidelines” due to a serious knee injury, according to the club. The injury occurred when Fleming ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee during Sunday’s Women’s FA Cup second round match against Hashtag United. Ipswich, who lead the Women’s National League Southern Premier, secured a 4-1 victory on penalties in the match, following a 2-2 draw in regular play. Manager Joe Sheehan commented on the situation, stating: “She has been a central member of our team following her move in the summer and will certainly be a big miss for us during the second half of the season.” He added, “For Charlotte, this injury is an especially tough one given she suffered a ruptured ACL in her other knee two years ago, but she has shown she can fight back from this before and I am sure she will do so again with the support of everyone at the club.” In an Instagram post, Fleming expressed her feelings, saying: “To hear the news that I have ruptured my ACL was something I never thought I would have to re-live and experience again.” She also conveyed to her team-mates that she would now be their “number-one fan,” further stating: “You have given me the belief and confidence to be a better player and now it’s my turn to give that back. I will be there every step of the way to see you all succeed.” This season, Ipswich aims for promotion to the Championship, which is the second tier of women’s football, having reinforced their squad during the summer. The recent cup victory against Hashtag served as a reversal for a 1-0 home league loss to their title rivals on 20 October. This win secured Ipswich a home fixture against AFC Bournemouth, a team from a lower division, thereby enhancing their prospects of advancing to round four, where Women’s Super League teams join the competition.