Arsenal midfielder Victoria Pelova has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while representing the Netherlands on international duty, the club has confirmed.

The 25-year-old was forced off in the 12th minute during her country's Uefa Championship qualifying match against Finland last week after sustaining a knee injury.

Pelova is now scheduled for surgery and faces an extended period on the sidelines.

Her injury adds to a string of ACL setbacks for Arsenal players over the past year and a half, including forwards Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema, as well as defender Leah Williamson.

Research indicates that female footballers are at a higher risk of ACL injuries compared to their male counterparts, with potential factors including anatomical differences and hormonal influences.

However, the exact cause remains uncertain.

Dr. Katrine Okholm Kryger, a sports medicine expert specialising in football at St. Mary's University in London, suggests ongoing discussions around whether the risk stems from biological factors or gender-specific training and management approaches.

In April, Fifpro, the Professional Footballers' Association, Nike, and Leeds Beckett University announced "Project ACL," a three-year initiative aimed at conducting research into ACL tears.