Can France afford to lose a rising star just as the World Cup looms? Alice Sombath has torn her right knee, ending weeks of play.
The 23‑year‑old French defender suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in her right knee during Tottenham’s 2‑1 loss to Arsenal on Saturday. She was carried off on a stretcher and will miss several months, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
Tottenham’s medical team will outline the next steps with Alice, who is slated for surgery before beginning rehab. The club pledged full support throughout her recovery.
Will she return in time to help France qualify for Brazil?
For my money, this setback could derail her breakthrough season, as the Spurs signed her from Lyon after six years and now face a long hiatus.
The French Football Federation posted a supportive message on social media, writing, “All with you, Alice. Wishing you a speedy recovery.”
Generally, a six‑month layoff is expected for this injury type, severely jeopardizing her chances to feature for France at the Brazil World Cup this summer.
She started several matches at Euro 2025 in Switzerland, stepping in for Griedge Mbock after the latter’s calf issue sidelined her for most of the tournament, which ended in a quarter‑final loss to Germany.