Charlton Athletic forward Powell raring to return from injury to ‘put things right’

Striker Ella Powell signed for Charlton Athletic in the summer with great prospects, but injury and a team struggling for form has left the Welsh striker feeling frustrated.

Charlton Athletic have taken just six points from their 11 games in the FA Women’s Championship this season. Riteesh Mishra’s side remain bottom of the table after they failed to come out on top in their 1-1 clash with Blackburn Rovers last weekend.

In an exclusive press conference hosted by Next Gen Sports Solutions, Powell said “It’s been a tough season for everyone. We’ve really struggled to get a rhythm going, we’ve had a lot games called off.

“We hold ourselves accountable for the results. It seems to be a psychology-based issue, in the critical moments we haven’t been able to deal with the pressure, it’s something we’ve really been working on.

“We’re a very close team and we pride ourselves on togetherness. We can hold each other accountable for mistakes and it doesn’t affect our relationship as teammates.”

Active in the January transfer window, The Addicks welcomed six new signings to the club, including four forwards to bolster their attack.

Speaking about the club’s transfer window business, Powell said “We’re strengthening our squad and it’s almost ignited a second wind for us to look to get up the table again. It has brought more competition into training and sparked competitiveness which is what you need.

“The standard of training has improved since the new players have come in. It will be good to see how that can impact our games going forward.”

The Welsh international featured in the Charlton Athletic squad in the early stages of the 2020/2021 campaign but suffered a serious ankle injury in early November. Powell damaged four ligaments in her ankle and has been enduring weeks of rehabilitation to restore match fitness.

“To get injured was devastating and it has been a really frustrating time” she said.

“My mindset at the start of the season, I was struggling with confidence. Physically I felt fine, but mentally I had to take it game-by-game. Just as I was building momentum in my form, I was hit with my injury.”

The Addicks striker is set for return within the next two weeks and said that the time away from playing has left her feeling raring to go.

Powell added “There’s a belief amongst the squad that we can turn it around as soon as we can.”

Charlton Athletic face a tough challenge this weekend as they host Liverpool at The Oakwood on Sunday.

 

Article author: Anna Minter