Man Utd's George to have surgery after ACL injury

Gabby George has made four appearances for Manchester United since moving from Everton

Manchester United defender Gabby George needs surgery after injuring her anterior cruciate knee ligament and is set to miss the rest of the season.

It is the second time she has ruptured her ACL, having seriously injured her knee for former club Everton in 2020.

"I promise to give my all during recovery to come back stronger," George said on social media on Tuesday.

The defender has made four appearances for United since moving from Everton in the summer.

"I'd always put 12 months [out of action] on an ACL [injury], and then you can work back from that," United boss Marc Skinner said. "We should prepare for that, that's sensible."

In a post on X, George said: "This one really does hurt. I promise to give my all during recovery to come back stronger. I've done it once and I will do it again."

She added: "I guess there are no highs without lows, let's do this."

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George is the latest high-profile women's footballer to be sidelined with an ACL injury.

In September, United midfielder Emma Watson and Scotland team-mate Caroline Weir ruptured their anterior cruciate ligaments while on international duty.

Arsenal's Leah Williamson and Vivianne Miedema have also sustained ACL injuries in the past few months, while Gunners striker Beth Mead returned to action after 11 months out with a serious knee injury on Sunday.

Last month, Birmingham City's Siobhan Wilson said players were "scared" and "worried" by the rise in ACL injuries in women's football.

"It's an horrific injury for a footballer because it's just a period of time out," added Skinner.

"It's obviously devastating news for her. I've spoken to Gabby, she's in good spirits."

Skinner confirmed George will have surgery on her knee in the next few days.