Willems was out for months after she continued playing with a back injury

Orange international Lynne Wilms will not be able to play in the coming months. The defender was discharged with a back injury that did not prevent her from competing in the Olympics.

Willems was three times in the Orange Women’s starting lineup in Japan, including in the quarter-finals against the United States, losing after a penalty shootout. According to her club VfL Wolfsburg, the right-back had already struggled with her back before the tournament started.

Wolfsburg took over the twenty-year-old Wilms from Twente this summer, but will have to wait a few more months to get fit. “This diagnosis is bitter news for our team and of course Lynn,” said Ralf Kellermann, the German club’s sporting director.

Then Kellerman appears to be making fun of the KNVB’s medical oversight. “Participation in the Olympics is a hallmark for any female footballer, and we wished the participants the greatest possible success. Of course, even in such an important tournament, the players’ health should come first. Now it is important to support Lynn as the best player we can during her rehabilitation.”

Williams will also miss the World Cup qualifiers

Williams has sixteen caps (one goal) for Orange to her name. The Olympics was the first major tournament for a player from Tegelen in Limburg.

Due to her injury, she will also miss the upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Orange. On September 17, the Netherlands will play their first home game against the Czech Republic under new national coach Mark Parsons, after which an away game against Iceland is scheduled four days later.