Arsenal’s goalkeeper, Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, picked up a knee injury while playing for France on Thursday, forcing her off in the 22nd minute and it looks like her season could be over.
Thankfully, initial updates have been relatively reassuring for her nation with L’Equipe reporting that her World Cup participation this summer, in her home country, is not in doubt.
“Her match came to a halt in the 22nd minute, when she was seized with a stinging pain,” the French publication wrote. “PPM collapsed holding the left knee, and the referee immediately stopped the game to enter the stretcher. The player left the lawn with a face more annoyed than grimacing, and Corinne Deacon had a word for her on her way out.”
She did not go to hospital which is another positive sign however tests in the dressing room by the medics revealed a dislocated patella according to L’Equipe which then described the injury as ‘not too serious’.
What it means for Arsenal’s title charge as it enters the final few games, however, is unclear, but L’Equipe seemed to indicate her domestic season was over even if she will be fit again in time for selection for the World Cup.
Arsenal released a statement saying, “Arsenal’s medical team have been in contact with the French national medical team since Thursday night. Between club and country, we’re doing everything to manage Pauline in the acute phases of her knee injury. Early signs are positive, but Pauline will undergo further investigation back at the club.”
“This should not jeopardize her participation in the World Cup. It’s a good thing for her and for us,” manager Corinne Deacon at a press conference, although I’m not sure that’s a sentiment shared by those at Arsenal.
Arsenal need two more wins to clinch the title, starting with Everton next Sunday the week after the men lost to the same club.