Arsenal manager Jonas Adewale said he was “very concerned” after Vivian Medema suffered a serious-looking injury during the Women’s Champions League defeat to Lyon.
The Gunners qualified for the quarter-finals despite the defeat but it came at a cost as Medema was carried off on a stretcher on the stroke of half-time.
The 26-year-old Dutch forward was immediately surrounded by teammates after she fell awkwardly off the ball, before receiving medical attention and having her leg heavily braced.
“I don’t know [how bad it is]. I haven’t spoken to him or the doctor,” Adwal said shortly after the match.
“I don’t have an update but it takes a lot of my thoughts right now. I’m very worried about it, but we had to stay focused on the game.
“After the game we are worried but [at half-time] we are super professional, we don’t let it distract us from what we are doing.”
The Gunners have a game remaining in Group C, but it was not an evening of celebration at the Emirates Stadium.
A quiet first half ended badly for Arsenal when Freda Manam’s own goal gave Lyon the lead, moments before Miedema left the pitch crying on a stretcher.
We're all thinking of you, Viv! ❤️
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) December 15, 2022
With only seven months to go before the World Cup, it is a huge blow for Medema, who had a shot blocked in the first half.
Defender Lotte Vaubin-Mooy headed over the bar from one of Arsenal’s best chances, while Australian full-back Steph Keatley also made a number of key saves at the other end to deny Lyon’s Delphine Cascarino.
Lyon finally took the lead in controversial fashion on the stroke of half-time when an over the top ball from Arsenal was not dealt with and Vanessa Gales’ header bounced off Manoum’s thigh, claiming offside in the build-up. What did
There was initially muted celebration from Lyon’s players until the goal was confirmed by the referee and dismay for Arsenal when play resumed.
Minutes after Medema’s injury meant the stadium was silenced at half-time on a cold night in north London.
Arsenal, who stunned the holders 5-1 in Lyon in October, looked for an equalizer in the second half and almost got it in the final minutes of normal time when a corner cleared off the line and Stina Blaksteinius headed home. The strike was saved. Near the post
But Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinberger was called into action to keep out Lyon substitute Eugenie Le Sommer’s powerful strike and the French giants took the threat to the full.
Eidevall’s side will go into their final match against Zurich on December 21 knowing that a place in the last eight has been sealed but victory will secure top spot in the group.
“That’s what’s important. That we go to Zurich and we win, and we finish first in the group,” the Swede added.
Arsenal’s progress in the competition has been smooth but Medema’s latest injury – while Ballon d’Or runner-up Beth Mead is already sidelined with an ACL injury – means talent comes at a price.
