In news that will leave Swiss tactician Nora Häuptle biting her fingernails, Copper Queens midfielder Grace Chanda has suffered her latest injury setback.
Querétaro Femenil confirmed that their new signing missed their 3-2 home defeat to Club Leon on Friday owing to a sprain in her left iliopsoas muscle and a left hip injury.
This is the newest injury concern for Chanda, whose last three years have been marred by long-term health issues and injuries that have often kept her sidelined.
She missed Zambia’s maiden appearance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup due to an illness.
Just when Grace Chanda was getting back in her rhythm, earning her first Copper Queens call up in over a year and signing for NWSL’s Orlando Pride, she picked up another injury.
The playmaker ruptured her quadriceps tendon at the Paris 2024 Olympics, lasting just 38 minutes in Zambia’s opening match vs. the United States.
Eight months later, she made her debut for Orlando Pride and was injury-free since then featuring for the Copper Queens at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
In the wake of 2026, Chanda parted ways with Orlando Pride and opened a new chapter in her career, joining Mexican side Querétaro Femenil.
The 28 year old featured in three Liga MX Femenil matches prior to her current injury.
The full extent and expected recovery time remain unclear.
With the 2026 WAFCON set to kick off on March 17, Chanda will be hoping for a swift recovery to secure a spot on Nora Häuptle’s squad.
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