Arsenal have confirmed that centreback Rafaelle Souza has suffered a fracture to a metatarsal bone in her foot after she was injured against Ajax in the Champions League.

Arsenal's Australian defender Steph Catley (L) and Spanish referee Marta Huerta de Aza (C) look on as Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder Rafaelle Souza (bottom) sits on the pitch uring the UEFA Champions League women's second round football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Arsenal FC at De Toekomst sports complex in Amsterdam, on September 28, 2022.(Photo by GERRIT VAN KEULEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Australian defender Steph Catley (L) and Spanish referee Marta Huerta de Aza (C) look on as Arsenal’s Brazilian midfielder Rafaelle Souza (bottom) sits on the pitch during the UEFA Champions League women’s second round football match between Ajax Amsterdam and Arsenal FC at De Toekomst sports complex in Amsterdam, on September 28, 2022.(Photo by GERRIT VAN KEULEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal defender Rafaelle Souza is expected to be sidelined for ‘several weeks’ after the 31-year-old was injured on Wednesday night as Arsenal sealed qualification for the Champions League group stages.

Rafaelle was subbed off in the first half during what was an incredibly physical match that also saw Beth Mead taken off in a lot of pain when she was headed in the face.

A statement on Arsenal.com said, “We can confirm that Rafaelle Souza has sustained a fracture to a metatarsal bone in her foot.

“Rafaelle will not travel to join up with the Brazilian national team as she begins the rehabilitation process here at Arsenal.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news

“We expect Rafaelle to be on the sidelines for several weeks while she recovers.”

Thankfully, Mead seems to be fine and is expected to join up with England with the women’s game now in an international break.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news