Sophie Ingle is facing a lengthy lay-off ahead of the new Women's Super League season, due to a serious knee injury.
The former Wales captain from Llandough damaged her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while playing for Chelsea in their pre-season game against Feyenoord earlier this month.
The Blues confirmed on Monday that Ingle will soon undergo surgery after being assessed by their medical team and a knee specialist.
A Chelsea spokesperson added: "Everyone at Chelsea would like to wish Sophie the very best for her recovery."
She's also been ruled out of next month's crucial play-off against Slovakia as Wales seek to book their place in the 2025 Women's Euros.
Chelsea, the reigning WSL champions, begin the new season on Friday night when they face Aston Villa - their first league game under new manager Sonia Bompastor.
Ingle holds the record for the most WSL appearances, as well as 139 caps for her country.
She captained Wales for nine years, but stepped down in April following manager Rhian Wilkinson's first game in charge - a 4-0 win over Croatia in Wrexham.
Wales travel to Slovakia for the first leg of their qualifying play-off on Friday 25th October, followed four days later by the return leg at the Cardiff City Stadium.
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