Hazel Nali Forced to Withdraw from World Cup Due to Knee Injury

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced that the national team goalkeeper, Nali, will not be able to participate in the upcoming World Cup due to a knee injury. Reuben Kamanga, the General Secretary of FAZ, revealed that Nali sustained a left knee injury prior to the international friendly match against Germany on July 7.

Hazel underwent medical examinations in both Germany and New Zealand, which confirmed her unavailability for the tournament. The initial examination in Germany was followed by an MRI in New Zealand, which revealed that she suffered laxity in the Medial Collateral Ligament and a complete tear of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).

According to Kamanga, the ACL is a crucial component of knee stability, and the medical professionals have recommended a minimum of six months for the repair and recovery process. Hazel will return home for treatment and rehabilitation.

In light of this unfortunate development, the technical bench has been informed and is working on identifying a replacement in the goalkeeping department for the national team.