Reading midfielder Brooke Chaplen diagnosed with a bone tumour

Reading midfielder Brooke Chaplen has been ruled out of action ‘indefinitely’ as a result of a bone tumour that has been discovered in her right leg.

The tumour was found when Chaplen underwent a recent scan. The 31-year-old will now have surgery to remove it, followed by an ‘extended period of rehabilitation’.

The Royals expect her to miss the remainder of the season while she is treated.

A club statement read: “As soon as we know more, we will ensure to update all of you. We’d like to wish Brooke all the very best – and she has the full support of the club behind her.”

There has quickly been an outpouring of support on social media.

Chaplen was playing regularly for Reading in the WSL in the early months of the season, helping the club turn things round after a disastrous start to the campaign. She played her last game in November as the Royals beat Brighton 2-0.

A former England junior international, Chaplen has previously turned out for Chelsea, Everton and Sunderland, and has played in the Women’s Champions League. She joined Reading in 2017.