Signing from Dundee United in the summer of 2023, defender Eve Donald added a wealth of Premier League experience to the Motherwell backline after defying the odds to protect her predecessors top-flight safety in the previous domestic season.
Despite maintaining an impressive CV throughout her time in the City of Discovery, Donald sought to continue her development at the women of steel whilst then still being at the youthful age of 23. However, a recurring injury rapidly disrupted her progression on the pitch, as Donald featured on only nine-occasions before a serious and unforeseen knee injury ruled the defender out of action for over nine-months.
Donald has continued to quietly work behind the scenes, whilst progressively building up to a return to action,
“It’s been the most frustrating part of my footballing journey,” Donald explained.
“There were small recurring injuries that stalled the start of my time at the club, but I’d started to overcome them and earn a more consistent run in the team. Then, in a single unpredictable moment, I turned sharply on the ball, and it resulted in one of the most challenging injuries a player could ever encounter.
“It became apparent on the pitch that I’d sustained an ACL rupture, which we then confirmed after an MRI scan. This specific injury has been increasingly prominent in the women’s game, and it’s always a concern that you try to keep in the back of your mind, but that day it ultimately became a reality for me.”
A physically and mentally demanding challenge for the now 24-year-old, with Donald acknowledging that the severity of the injury and the expected duration on the sidelines was tough to comprehend.
“It’s been a slow arduous time away from the pitch,” Donald noted.
“I was aware of the time scales attached to ACL injuries. Having witnessed many teammates go through it in the past, I knew how long the process would be.
“I wasn’t able to immediately receive the surgery that I needed, so my recovery time only stagnated as the days and weeks went by. Thankfully, since being able to get the operation, the recovery time has been slightly shorter than what was originally anticipated, which has allowed me to get back training.
“You don’t fully appreciate it until you’re on the sidelines, but having the opportunity to be around your teammates and train is a perfect motivator to continue working behind the scenes and regain my place in the matchday squad.
“I’ve been working tirelessly to get back as soon as possible, and for myself, gradually building up my sharpness and gaining momentum will be the best approach going forward. Once I’m mentally and physically ready to play, I will do my upmost to support the squad whenever I’m called upon.”
With teammates Laura McCartney and Lucy Ronald both recently returning from severe long-term injuries, that collectively amounted to over three seasons on the sidelines, Donald expressed the importance of having those with related experiences to aid the recovery process.
“There’s obviously a lot of concerns and fears of the unknown and the extent of the recovery process,” Donald said.
“Until you’ve been in that position, it’s difficult to understand exactly what the process involves and how to prepare myself for the surgery as well.
“The support from the rest of the squad was pivotal, especially from the players who have been in the same situation, so the reassurance and guidance really helped to alleviate those initial fears and concerns around when I’d get back onto the pitch.
“There is a really good core group of players at the club, and everyone in the dressing room looks out for each other. They’ve been essential throughout this year, and I can’t wait to be back sharing the pitch with them.”
