One day after being selected for the Women’s World Cup, Switzerland's 16-year-old midfielder Iman Beney suffered a severe knee injury in training Tuesday and will miss the tournament, the Swiss soccer federation said.
Beney became the latest high-profile player to rupture her ACL, an injury that has already sidelined several stars in women’s soccer.
Iman Beney of Switzerland during the UEFA Womens European Under-17 Championship 2023 Semi-Final match between France and Switzerland at Kadriorg Stadium on May 23, 2023 in Tallinn, Estonia. (Sam Barnes - Sportsfile/UEFA via Getty Images)
The Swiss federation said she was injured in a tackle during the final training session before Wednesday's warmup game against Morocco, another team in the July 20-Aug. 20 tournament hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN FIRES CHRISTOPHE GALTIER AFTER DISAPPOINTING SEASON
Iman Beney of Switzerland in action against Taeryne Job of France during the UEFA Womens European Under-17 Championship 2023 Semi-Final match between France and Switzerland at Kadriorg Stadium on May 23, 2023 in Tallinn, Estonia. (Sam Barnes - Sportsfile/UEFA via Getty Images)
Beney, a midfielder with Swiss club Young Boys, had impressed Friday on her international debut in a 3-3 draw against Zambia, which is also going to the World Cup.
Switzerland coach Inka Grings called up 23-year-old Bayer Leverkusen forward Amira Arfaoui to replace Beney, the federation said.
Iman Beney of Switzerland during the UEFA Womens European Under-17 Championship 2023 Semi-Final match between France and Switzerland at Kadriorg Stadium on May 23, 2023 in Tallinn, Estonia. (Sam Barnes - Sportsfile/UEFA via Getty Images)
Switzerland is in Group A at the World Cup along with Philippines, Norway and New Zealand.