Arsenal fans will be eagerly awaiting good news this week after Olivia Smith was stretchered off in Sunday’s 3-0 FA Cup fifth-round win over Bristol City.
Smith was involved in an incident early in the second half. A heavy clash of heads left the 21-year-old requiring on-field treatment, with the game halted for several worrying minutes.
Olivia Smith leaves the field on a stretcher
Smith was fitted with a neck brace before being stretchered off the pitch to a standing ovation from all corners of the Mangata Pay UK Stadium.
She was immediately taken to hospital for precautionary checks.
Early reports suggest Smith is suffering from a concussion, but her squad and supporters will be hoping for a more detailed update soon.
Smith facing another spell on the sidelines
Olivia Smith was the first-ever £1 million signing in the women’s game when she transferred to Arsenal from Liverpool last year.
However, since landing in London, she’s been blighted by injuries, including a hip issue she picked up on international duty with Canada.
Teammates, management, and fans alike will be hoping this doesn’t signal another spell on the sidelines for the young forward.
If Smith has suffered from a concussion or head injury, she will need to be given a clean bill of health by doctors before she’s able to return to training or matches.
Luckily, Arsenal now have a couple of weeks before their next fixture, as they take on London City Lionesses in the WSL on 15th March.
SEE ALSO: Everything You Need to Know About Olivia Smith — Women’s Football’s First £1 Million Baller
