Image Credits: Imago Images
Former Liverpool star Olivia Smith was rushed to hospital after suffering a worrying head injury during Arsenal’s Women’s FA Cup fifth-round clash against Bristol City on Sunday afternoon.
The 21-year-old Canadian, who became the first female footballer to command a £1 million transfer fee when she left Liverpool for Arsenal last summer, was involved in a sickening clash of heads early in the second half at the Mangata Developments Stadium in Borehamwood. The incident brought the game to a halt for 14 agonising minutes as medical staff rushed to treat Smith on the pitch.
Smith was fitted with a neck brace before being carefully carried off the field on a stretcher, receiving a standing ovation from the concerned crowd. She was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for further medical evaluation, with initial reports suggesting the forward may have suffered a concussion.
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers remained hopeful after the match that the injury is not as severe as first feared, though a full diagnosis is still pending. A concussion would require Smith to undergo a mandatory rest period away from training and competitive action
It has been a stop-start debut campaign at Arsenal for the former Red, who previously scored seven goals in 20 WSL appearances during her time at Anfield before completing her world-record move last July. A hip injury sustained on international duty with Canada back in October had already disrupted her momentum in north London. Despite these setbacks, Smith has still managed eight goals across all competitions this season, making her Arsenal’s joint-top scorer.
The Gunners went on to secure a comfortable 3-0 victory over Bristol City, with Kim Little, Victoria Pelova, and Frida Maanum – who replaced Smith – all finding the net. Arsenal will now be sweating on Smith’s fitness as they gear up for a packed schedule that includes Champions League quarter-final action next month.
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