Kellond-Knight sustains long-term injury

CommBank Matilda Elise Kellond-Knight will be sidelined for the foreseeable future after it was confirmed that the Melbourne Victory midfielder had suffered a ruptured left Achilles injury at training on Friday morning. 

Following confirmation by Melbourne Victory of the severity of the injury via scans, Kellond-Knight will undergo a surgical consult in the coming days to determine the next course of action for recuperation.

Tony Gustavsson, CommBank Matildas Head Coach, expressed the team’s dismay at the news that rules her out of the remaining rounds of the Liberty A-Leagues season. 

“We are all heartbroken and completely devastated for Elise with this latest injury news,” Gustavsson said. “KK is a fantastic person firstly and has been a complete professional in working diligently to return to the pitch.  Her comeback to the CommBank Matildas in 2022 added invaluable passion, insight, mentorship, and experience over the recent camps.”

“KK is one of the strongest and most resilient people and players I have coached, and our team, our staff and Football Australia as an organisation will surround her with strong care and backing during a difficult time."

 “We would like to thank Melbourne Victory for their support of KK, not only in attending to the injury but also in providing an environment that allowed for her return to the national team,” Gustavsson concluded.

The CommBank Matildas Sports Science and Sports Medicine team will partner with Melbourne Victory’s medical team to support Kellond-Knight’s recovery.