BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 15: Manuela Zinsberger of Arsenal reacts after the Barclays FA Women's Super League match between Arsenal Women and Chelsea Women at Meadow Park on November 15, 2020 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Arsenal goalkeeper leaves international camp for personal reasons

Jun 9, 2024

Arsenal and Austrian national team goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger has withdrawn from international duty due to personal reasons.

The 28-year-old is expecting her first child with her wife, Madeleine, who announced the news on Instagram.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Manuela Zinsberger of Arsenal celebrates her team's second goal scored by teammate Stina Blackstenius (not pictured) during the Barclays Women´s Super League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Joie Stadium on May 05, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) — MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 05: Manuela Zinsberger of Arsenal celebrates her team’s second goal scored by teammate Stina Blackstenius (not pictured) during the Barclays Women´s Super League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Joie Stadium on May 05, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Arsenal‘s first-choice goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger has left the Austrian national team camp for personal reasons, as announced by the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB). Zinsberger departed following Austria‘s 1-1 draw against Iceland in a European Championship qualifier on Friday.

The news comes as Zinsberger‘s wife, Madeleine, announced on Instagram that they are expecting a child soon. Zinsberger, a key player for both Arsenal and Austria, will be a significant loss for the national team as they prepare for their next qualifier against Iceland on Tuesday.

Cologne‘s Jasmin Pal is expected to take Zinsberger‘s place in goal. Andrea Gurtner from OFI Crete has been called up as a replacement goalkeeper, while Mariella El Sherif remains unavailable due to injury.