It is fair to say that 2020 did not go to plan for most people. That was certainly the case for Wales full-back Ella Powell.<\/p>\n
It had promised to be a year for the youngster to push on. Having established herself in the Lewes starting line-up at the end of 2019, it seemed that Powell was well placed to make a major impact in the new year.<\/p>\n
Instead, things quickly took a turn for the worst. With the coronavirus pandemic taking a significant toll on the UK, the Women\u2019s Championship<\/a> was cancelled in March, with Powell\u2019s final appearance for the club coming on February 2.<\/p>\n Six months later, she was offered a fresh opportunity at Charlton<\/a>. It appeared the ideal chance for Powell to make up for lost time after six months on the sidelines.<\/p>\n The season started well enough as Charlton collected four points from their opening two games. Results quickly went downhill after that, though. Four straight defeats saw the club slip down the table, and in early November, disaster struck for Powell.<\/p>\n The twice-capped international suffered a serious ankle ligament injury, meaning she faced another extended spell away from the pitch.<\/p>\n Speaking at the Next Gen Sports Solutions press conference on Monday, Powell described the difficulties that she experienced in the immediate aftermath of the injury.<\/p>\n \u201cI remember the start, I had to sit away for two weeks. I could not really move,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Going into further detail, Powell admitted the setback came at just the wrong moment after a long lay-off due to the pandemic.<\/p>\n \u201cJust as I was building that rhythm and momentum, and I was finally happy with the form I was building, I got hit with my injury,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n Having shown glimpses of her potential, Powell was left to watch on helplessly as Charlton finished 2020 disappointingly, losing their final four fixtures of the year.<\/p>\n 2021 did not start much better either. Frustrated by adverse weather, delaying the side\u2019s first game until January 28, Charlton were beaten 1-0 by London Bees<\/a> on their return to action.<\/p>\n In their most recent game, Charlton were able to halt their losing streak, securing a 1-1 draw with Blackburn.<\/a> They remain rooted to the foot of the table, though, having picked up just one win all season. Relegation appears a distinct possibility.<\/p>\n Powell stated that honest conversations had taken place within the squad following their dismal run of results, as the club look to turn their fortunes around in the final months of the season.<\/p>\n \u201cWe had to pull together after a few results didn\u2019t go our way and really hold ourselves accountable.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you have really got that closeness, you can hold each other accountable and still remain close friends and teammates,\u201d she claimed.<\/p>\n In an attempt to ward off the dreaded drop, Charlton have been busy in the winter transfer window. The club made several additions to the squad in the final week of January. Powell believes this will boost the side\u2019s chances of climbing the table.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have made a lot of new signings this season and in certain positions, we can bring a new lease of life. We are feeling really positive about the second half of the season,\u201d Powell said.<\/p>\n On a personal level, the 21-year-old had some positive news on her own fitness, revealing that she is nearing a return to training.<\/p>\n \u201cI think I\u2019m about a week or two away from getting back into the squad. I\u2019m excited and full of energy to just get going again,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n It has undoubtedly been a frustrating 12 months for Powell. From the coronavirus pandemic to unfortunate injuries, her career stagnated in 2020. It is clear that she is desperate to get back on the pitch to prove her worth once more.<\/p>\n With any luck, she will get that opportunity this month. Can she play a key role in helping Charlton avoid relegation? Let\u2019s hope we get to find out.<\/p>\n Main PhotoElla Powell Determined to Put Frustrating 2020 Behind Her<\/h2>\n
Injury Halts Powell’s Progress<\/h3>\n
Charlton Hit Rock Bottom<\/h3>\n
Powell Optimistic for the Future<\/h3>\n
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>