Sydney FC captain Natalie Tobin’s A-League women’s season is over after just one match after she suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee.
Tobin, 27, was stretchered off the field in the Sky Blues’ season-opening 2-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers at Allianz Stadium last Saturday night.
Scans have since confirmed the ACL injury, which brings with it at least nine months on the sidelines.
“It’s devastating to miss the season, especially as it has only just started,” said Tobin, who was named Sydney’s player-of-the-season in the club’s triumphant 2022-23 title-winning campaign.
“I’m still coming to terms with it but the support I’ve had from the girls, from the club, the coaching staff and the fans, as well as family and friends, has been amazing.
“I’m focusing on the positives, and I will still be around the girls giving them every bit of energy and support that I can throughout the season.
“It’s a long recovery but I’m looking forward to getting going on it as soon as I can.”
Sky Blues coach Ante Juric said Tobin’s absence was a “big blow”.
“She is a fantastic leader and we will need to adapt on the field without her now,” Juric said.
“I know she will be back stronger than ever before, as she is a resilient person who can overcome big hurdles.
“That is the type of character she is, and we will give her every bit of support that we can.”
