Bhubaneswar: Germany have suffered a major setback at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 as team captain Giulia Gwinn has been ruled out of the tournament after sustaining a knee injury during their opening group-stage match against Poland on Thursday.
The 26-year-old Bayern Munich defender went down in clear distress following a goal-line clearance late in the first half and was subsequently stretchered off the pitch. Initial fears pointed to a third anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear — having previously endured ACL injuries in both 2020 and 2022 — but medical scans in Zurich have since confirmed a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury instead.
“Huge Loss for the Team” – Gwinn Faces Several Weeks Out
The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed on Friday that while there is no ACL damage, the MCL injury will keep Gwinn out for “several weeks,” ruling her out for the rest of Euro 2025.
“It’s heartbreaking to miss the rest of the tournament, especially after how hard I worked to be back at this level,” Gwinn said in a statement released via the DFB. “But I’ll be supporting the team with everything I’ve got from the sidelines.”
Teammates, including vice-captain Janina Minge and winger Jule Brand, expressed their support and described Gwinn’s injury as an emotional blow to the squad.
Bit Of Science: Know What’s A MCL Injury
A medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury involves damage to the ligament on the inner side of the knee. This ligament connects the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia) and helps stabilize the knee joint. Injuries can range from minor sprains to complete tears.
Types of MCL Injuries:
- Grade 1 (Mild):
A sprain with some stretching or minor tearing of the ligament fibers. Pain and tenderness are present, but the knee remains stable.
- Grade 2 (Moderate):
A partial tear of the ligament, causing more pain, swelling, and some instability. Walking may be painful, and the knee might feel unstable.
- Grade 3 (Severe):
A complete tear of the ligament, resulting in significant pain, swelling, and instability. The knee may feel like it’s giving way.
Symptoms:
- Pain on the inner side of the knee.
- Swelling and bruising around the inner knee.
- Tenderness to the touch on the inner side of the knee.
- Instability or a feeling that the knee might give way.
- Difficulty walking or putting weight on the injured leg.
- Popping or clicking sound at the time of injury.
Causes:
- Valgus force: A direct blow to the outer side of the knee, pushing the knee inward.
- Sudden twisting or pivoting motions: This can stress the MCL.
- Overuse or repetitive stress: Can lead to MCL sprains, especially in athletes
Back To Sports: Germany Open Campaign with Convincing Win Despite Setback
Despite the injury to their captain, Germany recorded a solid 2–0 victory over tournament debutants Poland in their Group C opener at St. Jakob-Park in Basel. After a goalless first half, Jule Brand broke the deadlock with a stunning strike from outside the box early in the second half. Lea Schüller then doubled the lead with a well-placed header in the 66th minute.
Germany now sit top of Group C and will face Denmark next in a crucial clash on Tuesday, July 8.
Poland Show Promise in Tournament Debut
Poland, appearing in their first-ever Women’s European Championship, showed flashes of potential but were ultimately unable to match Germany’s technical quality and finishing. Coach Nina Patalon praised her team’s effort, stating that the experience against one of Europe’s top sides would only strengthen their campaign.
What’s Next for Germany?
Head coach Horst Hrubesch will now have to reshuffle his defensive setup and leadership hierarchy in Gwinn’s absence. Janina Minge is expected to wear the armband moving forward, with Lena Oberdorf and Marina Hegering likely to step up as key voices on the pitch.
Germany’s next opponents, Denmark, will pose a strong challenge as both sides vie for early control of the group. Victory in that match would secure Germany’s passage to the quarter-finals.
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