Emma Hayes' quadruple hopes have been dealt a further blow as Mia Fishel becomes the latest player to suffer an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Mia Fishel joined Chelsea from Mexican club Tigers on a three-year deal in August. Photo: Getty Images

Chelsea look to celebrate victory The end of Emma Hayes's four-trophy tenure was dealt another major blow after the club's second striker in a matter of weeks suffered a season-ending knee injury.

< p>American centre-forward Mia Fishel tore her anterior cruciate ligament just a month after the same problem ended Australia's Sam Kerr's campaign.

Fischel's injury occurred while she was training with the USA team, which began its campaign for the Concacaf Gold Cup. on Tuesday evening.

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries have complicated the women's game, forcing 37 players to miss last summer's Women's World Cup. In an interview with Telegraph Sport in January, Arsenal and England defender Leah Williamson criticized the “unsustainable” international calendar, which she believes is a major contributing factor.

Fischel's news will be a devastating blow for Hayes and her side, who lost 1-0 to title rivals Manchester City on Friday. Thanks to this result, the two best teams in the Women's Super League are level on points and goal difference.

And the double setback will hamper Chelsea when they meet Ajax in the Women's Champions League quarter-final over two legs in March.< /p>

The reigning WSL champions said in a statement: “Mia will be examined by a specialist in the coming days , and will then begin rehabilitation with the club's medical team in Cobham. Everyone at Chelsea would like to wish Mia all the best in her recovery.”

The US women's national team, which called up former Tottenham striker Alex Morgan to replace Fishel in their squad, added in a statement: “Fischel tore cruciate ligament in his right knee during training on February 19.”

The injury will keep Fishel from competing in the Summer Olympics in Paris, where Team USA will compete, which will be coached by Hayes starting in May. to be among the favorites.

Team USA interim head coach Twila Kilgore said, “I'm really worried about Mia, and I know the team and staff are too. I know she will come back strong and hopefully take part in the next World Championships.”