WALES boss Rhian Wilkinson has welcomed the “science” to understand why so many female footballers suffer anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries after losing Elise Hughes for the rest of the Uefa Euro 2025 qualifying campaign.

Hughes was top Crystal Palace scorer with 16 goals in 21 games as the Eagles secured promotion to the Women’s Super League by winning the Championship title.

The 23-year-old also scored twice in the 6-0 win in Kosovo last month as Wales followed up their opening victory against Croatia in style.