The England forward Michelle Agyemang has promised to come back “stronger than before” after confirming that she ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament during the Lionesses’ 3-0 victory over Australia on Tuesday.
Agyemang revealed the results of her scan on her social media. “Disappointed that results show a torn ACL,” she wrote. “I am so grateful for all the kind words and the support from everyone. Recovery starts now, I will be back stronger than before. In all things I give thanks to the Most High God, this test will surely turn into a testimony.”
The 19-year-old sustained the injury in the 80th minute of the friendly, having come on as a substitute in the second half. There was immediate concern around the young forward from Sarina Wiegman and her teammates. “It doesn’t look good,” the England manager said after the game. “We don’t know yet but I’m not very positive about what I’ve seen.”
It has been a whirlwind year for the striker who is on loan at Brighton from Arsenal this season. She made her Lionesses debut in the Nations League against Belgium in April, scoring just 41 seconds after coming on to the pitch. She was included in Wiegman’s squad for this summer’s Euros, playing a crucial role in England’s success. She made headlines for her late equalisers – in the 81st minute against Sweden and 96th minute against Italy – to help her nation secure back-to-back titles and was named the Uefa’s young player of the tournament.
She has featured heavily for Brighton this season, playing almost every minute in their WSL campaign and scoring one goal. The club posted a statement on social media saying: “We can confirm that Michelle Agyemang sustained a ruptured ACL injury in England’s match against Australia on Tuesday.”
It added: “Michelle will miss the remainder of the season and we are in contact with her parent club Arsenal and will work together to determine a treatment and rehabilitation programme for Michelle. Everyone at Albion sends all their support to Michelle as she begins her recovery, with her wellbeing foremost in all of our minds.”
Arsenal said in a statement: “We are in close contact with Brighton as we determine a treatment and recovery programme for Michelle. We send all our support to Michelle as she begins the road to recovery.”
