Michelle Agyemang has confirmed that she ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament in England’s victory over Australia on Tuesday, 28th October.
“[I’m] disappointed that results show a torn ACL,” she wrote on social media.
“I am so grateful for all the kind words and the support from everyone.
“Recovery starts now, I will be back stronger than before.
“In all things I give thanks to the Most High God. This test will surely turn into a testimony.”
The FA said in response: “As a member of the Lionesses family, she has the full support of the FA and everyone associated with our England teams.
“Lionesses staff will remain in regular contact with Michelle and her club and be on hand to aid any aspect of her rehabilitation.”
And her club Brighton and Hove Albion – where she is on loan from Arsenal – confirmed that she will miss the remainder of the season, and they and the Gunners are working on a full treatment and rehab plan for her.
How Michelle Agyemang sustained an ACL injury
Agyemang, the Euro 2025 Young Player of the Tournament, was stretchered off in the last 15 minutes of the friendly at Pride Park.
The injury looked to be non-contact, but was clearly a serious one from the outset as she fell to the ground in obvious distress.
She was comforted by team-mates, including Alex Greenwood and Esme Morgan.
The 19-year-old had come on just after the hour mark as a replacement for Alessia Russo.
Wiegman: It looked horrible
Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman had said in a press conference after the game: “I’m not very positive about what I have seen.”
She had earlier said to broadcasters ITV: “I haven’t been inside yet [to consult with staff] but of course that looked horrible. When you’re stretchered off, that’s not nice anyway, but that doesn’t look good.
“It’s not confirmed, but that looks bad.”
Michelle Agyemang: her career so far
Michelle Agyemang is an Arsenal player, but is currently on loan to fellow Women’s Super League side Brighton and Hove Albion, as she was last season. She has formed a fine partnership with experienced forward Fran Kirby – who herself rose to prominence in a major international tournament for England.
Agyemang was called up to the England squad for the 2025 Euros as somewhat of a wildcard, and made a huge contribution to the Lionesses’ successful defence of their title as an impact substitute – scoring in the quarter-final against Sweden and in the semi-final against Italy.
She was named as the tournament’s outstanding young player in recognition of her displays.
