Arsenal women have confirmed that young defender Katie Reid has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during a recent training session.
The 19-year-old will undergo surgery and is expected to miss the rest of the season.
Reid’s injury comes as a major blow for Arsenal, who are already dealing with several fitness problems in their squad.
The teenager becomes the seventh player in the Women’s Super League to suffer an ACL injury since the start of the campaign.
She joins team-mates Manuela Zinsberger and Michelle Agyemang, the latter currently on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion, on the growing list of sidelined players.
The club released an official statement confirming that Reid sustained the injury during training and will now begin her recovery process after surgery.
The news adds to Arsenal’s early-season challenges, with key defender Leah Williamson still working her way back from a long-term injury.
Reid’s impressive rise halted by injury
Reid, a product of Arsenal’s academy, has been one of the brightest young talents in the league this season.
The defender started six of her seven league appearances and was named the club’s Player of the Month for September.
Her strong performances also earned her a call-up to the England women’s national team, highlighting her rapid progress this season.
Reid’s consistent displays and composure at the back had made her a reliable option for head coach Renée Slegers.
She was absent from the squad that faced Chelsea in the recent 1-1 draw, with the club later confirming that her exclusion was due to the injury.
The setback is especially tough for Reid, who had been enjoying a breakthrough season and establishing herself as an important part of the first team.
The loss of another defender leaves Arsenal short of options at the back. It also increases the pressure on Slegers to find quick solutions as the team aims to build momentum after a mixed start to the campaign.
Reid’s injury serves as another reminder of the rising concern over ACL issues in women’s football. Many within the game have called for more research and prevention strategies to protect players from such long-term setbacks.
For now, Reid faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines as she focuses on recovery and rehabilitation, hoping to return stronger ahead of next season.