by Staff Writer
Saturday, 16th August 2025
Jess Ziu returned to action for West Ham United Women on Friday evening, stepping off the bench in the 75th minute of a behind-closed-doors friendly against Charlton Athletic at Chigwell Construction Stadium.
Ziu's return came 11 months after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in late August 2024, also during a behind-closed-doors friendly. The club confirmed at the time that she would undergo surgery before beginning an extensive rehabilitation programme at Chadwell Heath.
The Republic of Ireland winger was greeted by cheers from teammates and staff as she completed her first minutes back on the pitch.
Speaking in a pre match interview the winger said: " It’s been a long eleven-and-a-bit months, but I’ve had amazing people around me the whole way, so I’m really excited, a bit scared, but getting back on the pitch just helped me.
"It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get here, but I’m just really proud of myself and everyone around me for helping me get here.”
Post match, Ziu mentioned how Rehanne Skinner had been a big part of her recovery. "She pulled me to the side and said, ‘Go on and enjoy it’," she added. "No pressure, just go out there and get some minutes”.
This latest injury setback followed Ziu’s first ACL rupture in autumn 2022, which sidelined her for over a year before she fought back to feature regularly in 2023/24.
West Ham will continue to build her minutes sensibly through pre-season, but Ziu’s reappearance is a boost to Rehanne Skinner’s attacking options.
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