Arsenal midfielder Frida Maanum has received positive news after undergoing tests following her collapse during the League Cup final victory over Chelsea, while Sara Weigman admits they are having to ‘manage’ Leah Williamson’s return to fitness.

Relief for Arsenal as Maanum collapse shows no signs of heart issues

Arsenal midfielder Frida Maanum can breathe a sigh of relief after initial tests revealed “no obvious cardiac causes” following her frightening collapse during the League Cup final win over Chelsea.

The 24-year-old Norwegian midfielder went down off the ball late in the second half, causing a lengthy stoppage as medical personnel rushed to her aid. Thankfully, Maanum remained conscious and rejoined her team on the journey back to London despite being stretchered off the pitch.

Arsenal conducted “extensive testing” on Maanum, with the results reviewed by two leading cardiologists. While the cause of the collapse remains unknown at this stage, the positive news is the absence of any heart-related issues.

As a precaution, Maanum has been fitted with a heart monitor to track her heart function. She’ll also begin a “progressive return to training protocol,” with a final decision on her return to competitive action made after a week of monitoring.

This news will come as a major boost to both Maanum and Arsenal. The midfielder is a key player for the Gunners, and her absence would be a significant blow.

Fans will now wait patiently for further updates on Maanum’s recovery and a timeline for her return to the pitch.

Leah gets the armband back

Sarina Wiegman confirmed Leah Williamson will continue as England’s captain and will lead the team against Sweden in the upcoming Euro 2025 qualifier, provided she overcomes her fitness concerns.

The Arsenal defender, who had to leave the pitch at halftime during the League Cup final victory over Chelsea and missed last summer’s World Cup due to an ACL injury, has recently dealt with a hamstring issue.

Despite these challenges, Williamson has been training and is considered in a good condition to play. Wiegman, who appointed Williamson as captain ahead of their Euro 2022 triumph, emphasised the importance of managing her recovery carefully and highlighted Williamson’s eagerness to return to the pitch as a positive sign of her fitness.

“We have to manage her,” Wiegman said. “We know where she has come from, she is still building but she is in a good place and she is ready. It’s just really good that she is back, first of all, for herself, because she is so excited to come back – that means she is fit.

“Leah is our team captain – that will not change.

“If she plays, she will be captain.

“She needs that team environment from where she has come.”