Caroline Weir, a Scotland international, suffered an ACL injury while playing for her nation in September. The Real Madrid midfielder scored 27 goals for her team in all competitions during the 2022–2023 season. Weir also discusses the expansion of the WSL and SWPL.
Scotland midfielder Caroline Weir talks about her recovery from an ACL tear, her ambition to play for Real Madrid, and motivating girls in an exclusive conversation with Inside the WSL.
The 28-year-old hasn’t played since September due to an ACL injury she sustained while playing for Scotland in an international match that ended in a 1-1 draw with Belgium.
It came after an incredible debut campaign with Real Madrid in which he finished with 15 goals and 27 goals assisted in all competitions. She probably won’t appear again for the duration of this campaign, though.
Weir, who had previously played in England for teams like Arsenal and Liverpool, transferred for free from Manchester City to Spain.
Weir discussed his experience with rehab thus far, life at Real Madrid, and much more as he spoke with Inside the WSL.
Regarding her ACL injury and recovery… “There was some initial worry. I recall the knock, the tackle, and the sound that originated in my knee. I immediately thought, “It’s my knee, my knee.” Actually, I believe that every player does it. That’s what I’ve done in the past when my knee hurt, but this time it seemed a little different.
“After I was given five minutes to get back on, I kind of cooled myself and thought, ‘It might be fine,’ but something wasn’t right.
Hobbling off that pitch, I believe I knew in my heart that this was not good news. Being a rather positive person, I was hopeful that it might not be too terrible, but I believe that after hearing the crack, I realized something was wrong.
“It was undoubtedly one of the hardest nights and days I’ve ever experienced. Although I wouldn’t want to experience it again, that was the beginning of the rehabilitation process and it’s a part of football.
We’ve been out of the operation for almost four months, and yesterday was my first time running on the pitch, so that’s a significant accomplishment.
Really, I’m doing great; I’m just going with the flow. Regretfully, it’s a quite prevalent injury, and many athletes have recovered by following a fairly obvious approach that you have witnessed. I’m making every effort to approach it positively.
“Rehab can only be compared to a roller coaster. Although it may sound cliche, there are days when you can think, “I can totally do this, it’s fine,” and days when it can be really difficult. Those are the days when you truly have to push yourself—both physically and psychologically.
