Charlotte Fleming, an Ipswich Town midfielder, is set to miss a “significant spell on the sidelines” due to a catastrophic knee injury, according to the club.
Fleming damaged the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee during Sunday’s Women’s FA Cup second-round match against Hashtag United.
Ipswich, the leaders of the Women’s National League Southern Premier, triumphed 4-1 on penalties following a 2-2 draw.
“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,” Joe Sheehan, our external manager, said.
“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.”
Fleming wrote on Instagram: “To hear the news that I had ruptured my ACL was something I never thought I would have to re-live and experience again.”
She informed her teammates that she would now become their number one fan, saying, “You have given me the belief and confidence to be a better player, and now it is my turn to give that back.” I will be there every step of the way to make sure you all succeed.”
Ipswich are aiming for promotion to the Championship, the second tier of women’s football, this season after upgrading their roster over the summer.
The cup victory over Hashtag avenged their league title opponents’ 1-0 home defeat on October 20.
Victory secured them a home match against AFC Bournemouth from a lower division, giving them a good chance of reaching the fourth round when Women’s Super League teams enter the league.
