- Nasima Akter
Katie McCabe Gives Social Media Update on Injury
Arsenal's Katie McCabe has thanked fans for their kind messages after suffering a foot injury in the UEFA Champions League. The Ireland captain was forced to limp off the pitch late on during Arsenal's 2-0 win against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
McCabe took to social media to thank supporters for their well wishes but also revealed that she (at the time) will undergo a scan to determine the extent of her injury.
Despite the injury, Arsenal was able to progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2013. The injury was also a cause for concern for Ireland manager Vera Pauw, who hoped that McCabe will be fit and ready for Ireland's upcoming World Cup campaign, which is set to begin in less than four months.
What Led to the Injury
McCabe sustained a metatarsal injury to her left foot and was substituted in the 89th minute of the match. Following her injury on the field, she was seen leaving the Emirates Stadium on crutches and wearing a protective boot.
Before her departure, the Gunners were trailing 1-0 to Bayern in the first leg but recovered to win 2-0 in front of a 21,307-strong crowd at the Emirates Stadium. Frida Maanum's fine strike set them on their way before Stina Blackstenius' header settled the tie.
However, the margin of victory could have been much more comfortable, but for some wayward finishing from the Arsenal forwards and a fine goalkeeping display from Bayern's Maria-Luisa Grohs.
In addition to McCabe, captain Kim Little was forced off in the 10th minute after being tripped by Bayern's defense. It is hoped that her hamstring injury will not keep her out for long. The Gunners have already been without Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema since November due to knee injuries, and they will miss the rest of the season.
Despite the injuries, Eidevall was pleased with his team's performance and their progress in the competition.
McCabe's Health Status
Reports of McCabe's health recently came in, to the relief of fans. After a scan of her injury, it has been confirmed that the injury is not a long-term one.
Although she is unlikely to feature in Arsenal's upcoming league game against Manchester City, the club's medical staff are working to have her back in action for the Champions League semi-final, which will take place on April 22.
Ireland's manager Vera Pauw will name her squad tomorrow for two upcoming friendly games against the USA, where she will confirm whether or not McCabe is fit to play.
However, the good news is that any fears of her missing out on the World Cup finals have been eased. McCabe is a crucial player for both her club and country, and fans will be relieved to hear that her World Cup dream remains on course.
For now, the team will be preparing for the WCL (UEFA Women's Champions League) semi-finals. The last time they were in the semi-finals in 2013, they had lost to Wolfsburg, who also knocked them out in the quarter-finals last season.
They could face Wolfsburg again this time around if the Germans beat Paris St Germain, who they lead 1-0 on aggregate.
