Vivianne Miedema, the Netherlands and Arsenal striker, will miss the Women's World Cup due to the ACL injury she sustained in December 2022 against Lyon. This news comes as a big blow to the Dutch national team, as Miedema is their all-time top scorer, with an impressive 95 goals in 115 appearances.

Miedema had been facing a race against time to regain fitness for the summer's showpiece event in Australia and New Zealand. However, during the half-time interval of Arsenal's WSL meeting with Manchester City, she confirmed that she will not be able to participate in the tournament. "No hopes, I'm definitely going to miss the World Cup which is a hard one," Miedema told BBC Sport. "I hope to be back for the beginning of next season. I need to be realistic in that sense."

The Netherlands have been placed in a tough group alongside the United States Women's National Team (USWNT), Vietnam, and Portugal. Without Miedema's attacking prowess, the Dutch team will have to look for other players to step up and fill the void left by her absence.

As for Miedema, she will continue her recovery and rehabilitation process, hoping to return to the pitch at the start of next season. This news will also impact Arsenal's title chase in the Women's Super League, as Miedema is one of their key players. Arsenal will need to rely on their other attacking options to maintain their title challenge, as they face Manchester United in two weeks' time.

Injuries are an unfortunate part of football, and Miedema's absence will be felt not only by the Netherlands but also by Arsenal. Miedema's focus will now be on regaining full fitness and making a successful comeback for both club and country.