Sarina Wiegman stated her outlook was “not optimistic” regarding the knee injury suffered by forward Michelle Agyemang during England’s 3-0 win over the Matildas.
The young Arsenal attacker, who is spending the season on loan with Brighton, slammed the Pride Park pitch in agony following a non-contact incident, leading teammates and medical personnel to hurry to her aid. She was carried off on a stretcher, with a concerned Wiegman speaking to her as she was taken down the tunnel.
“That was an awful moment,” said Wiegman. “It doesn’t look good. The full extent remains unknown, she requires evaluation, but I’m not feeling very positive.”
The teenage attacker, who departed the stadium using crutches, was substituted 18 minutes after coming on as a substitute for fellow Arsenal player Alessia Russo.
“It’s always difficult to see a player stretchered off, especially a teammate,” her fellow forward Aggie Beever-Jones told ITV. “I don’t know what she has done but I’ll be hoping for her full recovery.”
The Young Star’s Recent Contributions
Agyemang scored 41 seconds into her England debut during a 3-2 defeat against Belgium this past April, just two days after being selected to replace the injured Russo. She secured a spot in Wiegman’s European Championship roster and made a spectacular international entrance during the summer, scoring the critical 81st-minute equaliser versus Sweden in the quarter-final match forcing the match into extra time before England won on penalties and the 96th-minute equaliser versus Italy in the semi-final clash to push the game into extra time once more, with England ultimately winning in the 119th minute.
Setback Overshadows Strong Display
Agyemang’s injury dampened an encouraging England performance following their defeat to Brazil on Saturday. Nevertheless, Wiegman expressed frustration over Alanna Kennedy’s early dismissal for Australia as it meant England didn’t receive the challenge they had anticipated.
“That was disappointing and those are the rules,” she commented. “In a qualifier I don’t care but in friendlies we prefer 11 versus 11 as that provides the most challenges. We tried to adapt straight away, they defended deeper making spaces narrower and more congested. We had planned different approaches for the match’s conclusion but unfortunately we had some injuries.”
