Arsenal
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Arsenal winger Olivia Smith has pulled out of international duty with Canada after sustaining an injury during their weekend friendly against Switzerland.
The 21-year-old, making her first start for Canada since completing her world-record £1 million move from Liverpool to Arsenal in July, was forced off in the first half following a heavy challenge from Swiss defender Viola Calligaris.
Smith went down in clear discomfort after the collision in the 32nd minute and required several minutes of treatment before being taken off the pitch on a golf cart, unable to put weight on her right leg.
Arsenal laterconfirmed the setback in a brief statement, saying: “Olivia Smith has withdrawn from international duty after sustaining a hip injury in Canada’s 1-0 defeat to Switzerland on Friday. The 21-year-old forward has returned to Arsenal for further assessment and treatment.”
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Canada Women’s head coach Casey Stoney was visibly frustrated by the incident and criticised the officials for missing what she felt was a clear foul.
“From where I stood, it was definitely a foul,” Stoney said after the match. She added that Canada “didn’t feel like we got an awful lot of decisions” during the game.
Arsenal Women forward Olivia Smith (Image credit: Getty Images)
Smith, who was under constant pressure from the Swiss defence, has already suffered a similar setback this year, having been stretchered off after 13 minutes during a June friendly against Haiti in Montreal.
When asked if she felt Smith was being specifically targeted by opponents, Stoney replied: “I really hope not.”
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A two-time Canada Youth Player of the Year (2019 and 2024), Smith has already earned 19 senior caps, scoring three goals and providing three assists for her country.
Her absence comes as another blow for Arsenal, who are preparing to face Leicester City in the WSL this weekend before a top-of-the-table showdown with Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on November 8.
The Gunners are already managing several injury concerns, with Katie Reid withdrawing from the England squad and Lotte Wubben-Moy leaving camp due to illness. Daphne van Domselaar has also been ruled out of Netherlands duty as she continues to nurse a knee injury.
Arsenal medical staff will now assess the extent of Smith’s injury in the coming days, hoping for a swift recovery ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.
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