It took little over a week into 2024 before we were hit with our first ACL injury of the year.
Sam Kerr joins the list of top women’s footballers Alexia Putellas, Vivianne Miedema, Beth Mead to have succumbed to this devastating injury.
So what does this mean for Kerr, Chelsea, and why do we not seem to be any further down the line to avoiding these situations?
The Athletic's Chloe Morgan and Jessy Parker Humphreys join Abi Paterson to answer these very questions.
Produced by Abi Paterson
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How do Chelsea cope without Sam Kerr?

Join The Athletic's finest reporters and writers as they take you inside the biggest stories from European women's football, including the WSL, UEFA Women's Champion's League, and Spain's Liga F. Get in touch fte@theathletic.com

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Sophie Penney is with Charlotte Harpur and Laia Cervello Herrero after Barcelona won the Champions League, beating eight-time winners Lyon for the first time to secure an unprecedented quadruple. 
What was it like seeing Alexia Putellas’ goal in person? What were the celebrations like in Spain? How did the Lyon players react? And does this mark the changing of the guard in European women’s football? 
Plus, as we look ahead to the Olympics, we talk about the hijab ban for French athletes with Yashmin Harun, chair and founder of England’s largest Muslim women’s sports charity, Muslimah Sports Association.
And Meg Linehan tells us about her new relaunched show, Full Time with Meg Linehan.  
HOST: Sophie Penney 
WITH: Charlotte Harpur, Laia Cervello Herrero 
PRODUCER: Sophie Penney 
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Iain Macintosh
Get in touch: fte@theathletic.com
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Have Barcelona knocked Lyon off their perch?

Sophie Penney is with Charlotte Harpur, Michael Cox and Katie Whyatt as Chelsea win the WSL title, crowning off Emma Hayes’ 12 years in charge with her 14th major trophy. 
As Hayes leaves for the U.S. Women’s National Team we’re asking what will the WSL look like without Hayes? Will other teams sniff out an opportunity? And will media interest stall?
Plus, Lyon win the French league and we look ahead to their Champions League final against Barcelona with Laia Cervello Herrero.  
HOST: Sophie Penney 
WITH: Charlotte Harpur, Michael Cox, Katie Whyatt & Laia Cervello Herrero 
PRODUCER: Sophie Penney 
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Iain Macintosh
Get in touch: fte@theathletic.com 
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What will the WSL be like without Hayes?

Charlotte Harpur and Carl Anka join Sophie Penney after Manchester United beat Tottenham in the FA Cup final at Wembley to win their first major trophy. 
Ella Toone and Bethany England react to the result and the wonder goal. And is this a turning point for Manchester United after a difficult season? Mary Earps’ contract runs out this summer, after all. 
Plus David Ornstein joins us to reveal why this moment was extra special for Nikita Parris. 
And Art de Roche comes on to discuss why Arsenal let the WSL all-time top scorer Vivanne Miedema go.
HOST: Sophie Penney 
WITH: Charlotte Harpur, Carl Anka, David Ornstein and Art de Roche 
PRODUCER: Sophie Penney 
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Iain Macintosh
Get in touch: fte@theathletic.com 
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Is winning the FA Cup a turning point for Man United?

Sophie Penney is with Katie Whyatt and Jessy Parker Humphreys to discuss a whirlwind week for the WSL title race. 
Chelsea thought they were out of contention after losing to Liverpool but leaders Manchester City lost to Arsenal in stoppage time and Chelsea scored 8 past Bristol City, meaning it will go down to the last day of the season. 
How did City concede two goals in three minutes? Will that lose them the title? And was Emma Hayes playing mind games in her post-match comments?
Plus, as Barcelona win the Liga F title, Laia Cervello Herrero tells us how they’ve built one of the best teams in Europe despite no domestic competition and how far off second place Real Madrid are from the Catalans.  
HOST: Sophie Penney 
WITH: Katie Whyatt, Jessy Parker Humphreys, Laia Cervello Herrero 
PRODUCER: Sophie Penney 
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Iain Macintosh
Get in touch: fte@theathletic.com 
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Will Man City's slip up cost them the title?

Sophie Penney brings you inside Stamford Bridge after Barcelona defeat Chelsea to reach the Champions League final and end Emma Hayes’ dreams of a fairytale ending in front of a sell-out crowd. 

You’ll hear from Chelsea’s Jess Carter and Fran Kirby, and Barcelona’s Ona Batlle, plus a full analysis of tactics and what this means for Hayes’ legacy from The Athletic’s Charlotte Harpur, Michael Cox and Katie Whyatt, and Spanish journalist Marc Andres. 

HOST: Sophie Penney 
WITH: Charlotte Harpur, Michael Cox, Katie Whyatt and Marc Andres 
PRODUCER: Sophie Penney 
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Abi Paterson
Get in touch: fte@theathletic.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do Chelsea cope without Sam Kerr?

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