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19yo Arsenal star fails to recover from injury, withdraws from England squad

Katie Reid has withdrawn from the England squad ahead of the upcoming international break after failing to recover from a groin issue that kept her out of Arsenal’s midweek Champions League win over Benfica.

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 07: Lily Yohannes of OL Lyonnes runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Katie Reid of Arsenal during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2025/26 league phase match between Arsenal FC and OL Lyonnesat Meadow Park on October 07, 2025 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)
Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images

The 19-year-old defender was initially expected to join up with the Lionesses for their friendlies against Brazil and Australia, but she will now remain in North London to recover.

Arsenal had described her problem as a “tight groin” prior to the Benfica match, though it was not thought serious enough to threaten her international debut.

Reid’s withdrawal comes as a disappointment after a standout start to the season in which she has established herself as one of Renee Sleger’s most consistent performers.

LEIGH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Katie Reid of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village on September 21, 2025 in Leigh, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images

With Leah Williamson sidelined until Christmas with a knee injury, Reid has become an almost automatic pick in the centre of defence, starting and completing five of Arsenal’s six Women’s Super League matches as well as the Champions League opener against Lyon.

Grace Fisk has been called up as her replacement in Sarina Wiegman’s squad.

Former Arsenal youngster, Ruby Mace, who is now at Everton, has also withdrawn from the England u23 squad with an injury of her own. She has been replaced by Chelsea’s Ashanti Akpan.

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