- Arsenal women’s forward Olivia Smith was involved in a nasty clash of heads during their FA Cup game against Bristol City
- Smith was fitted with a neck brace and rushed to the hospital with her head coach, Renee Slegers, hoping it wasn’t too serious
- Arsenal beat their opponents 3-0 to qualify for the FA Cup quarter-finals ahead of the first international break of the year
Arsenal Women’s striker Olivia Smith was rushed to the hospital after suffering a worrying head injury during their Adobe Women’s FA Cup on Sunday.
Smith was part of Renee Slegers’ side that started the fifth round of the FA Cup against Bristol City at the Mangata Developments Stadium in Borehamwood.
The world champions went in front through Kim Little in the 25th minute after the Bristol defence failed to deal with a Katie McCabe free-kick.
Arsenal star rushed to hospital
However, disaster struck in the second half when Smith was involved in a clash of heads, which led to a lengthy stoppage in play. The Canadian player was fitted with a neck brace and stretchered off the pitch and rushed to the hospital.
The game eventually had an extra 14 minutes due to the time Smith received treatment. Slegers confirmed that Smith had been taken to the hospital and hoped that ‘it wasn’t too serious’.
Who is Olivia Smith?
Smith became the first £1 million player in the women’s game when Arsenal bought her from Liverpool last summer.
The 21-year-old is Arsenal’s second top goalscorer across all competitions this season with eight goals.
Arsenal women qualify for FA Cup quarter-finals
Arsenal scored further goals through Victoria Pelova and an own goal from Katie Robinson to qualify for the quarter-finals of the competition.
“Happy with the win, happy we’re progressing. Clean sheet again. I don’t think we give them much apart from a couple of set pieces. Yes, very important to finish the block this way. I think we’re on a run of seven wins, so really happy with it. The players have done an amazing job this block. They go away now, and I look forward to continuing on going in the next block,” said Slegers via the club’s website.
Other teams that made it through to the last eight include the defending champions Chelsea, who needed a goal from Naomi Girma in extra time to sail through at Manchester United’s expense. Current Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City beat Sheffield United 4-0.
Other teams include Liverpool, Charlton, Brighton and Birmingham. The last spot will be settled today when London City Lionesses play Tottenham.
