Arsenal Star Returns To Squad After Career-threatening Injury

Image credit: Getty Images

Arsenal midfielder Victoria Pelova received a standing ovation from more than 35,000 fans at the Emirates Stadium as she made her long-awaited return from a career-threatening injury.

The 25-year-old, sidelined for 308 days after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while on international duty for the Netherlands in June 2024, came on in the 74th minute, replacing goalscorer Mariona Caldentey.

Pelova’s return added to an already memorable night for the Gunners, who made Women’s Super League (WSL) history by becoming the first team to score four or more goals in six consecutive home matches. Their dominant 4-0 victory over Liverpool keeps them firmly in the title race, cutting the gap to leaders Chelsea to five points.

READ MORE: Arsenal make WSL history with dominant win over Liverpool

Despite Arsenal’s early control, it took 28 minutes for the deadlock to be broken. Caitlin Foord capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home from close range after Liverpool failed to clear a corner. Just 90 seconds later, Alessia Russo played in captain Kim Little, whose pullback was inadvertently turned into the net by Liverpool’s Jasmine Matthews.

Victoria Pelova v Liverpool — ***Victoria Pelova returned from an ACL injury after nine months against Liverpool (Image credit: Getty Images)***

The Gunners continued their relentless pressure, and just before halftime, Mariona Caldentey curled a brilliant strike into the far corner to make it 3-0. After the break, substitute Beth Mead made an instant impact, delivering a cross that forced Matthews into her second own goal of the match.

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Pelova, whose family was in attendance for her emotional return, expressed her joy at finally being back on the pitch.

“I’m happy my family is here and they could see me back,” she said after the match. “When you are back on the bench, that is the hardest mentally. Every game, you want to come on. You are back in the team, but you are not fully back. That was the hardest part.”

Arsenal manager Renee Slegers was equally thrilled to see Pelova back in action.

“You saw last season how good she is,” Slegers said. “She has worked so hard to come back. It’s lonely sometimes not being out with the team on the grass, but she had great support. I’m so happy for her. She loves football, and you saw how comfortable she is on the ball. We’re delighted to have her back.”