England star Michelle Agyemang ruled out for season as she confirms ruptured ACL in friendly against Australia - 'I will be back stronger'
By Will Conroy
Published 30/10/2025 at 12:07 GMT
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Michelle Agyemang is expected to miss the remainder of the season, with the England forward confirming she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament during the 3-0 victory over Australia on Tuesday. The 19-year-old was taken off on a stretcher at Pride Park after going down off the ball. She said she is "disappointed" after learning the extent of the injury, but is "grateful" for the support shown.
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Michelle Agyemang has confirmed that she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during England’s 3-0 victory over Australia on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old forward was taken off on a stretcher in the 80th minute during the friendly at Pride Park after going down off the ball, having come on just after the hour mark.
Agyemang, on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion from Arsenal this season, confirmed the extent of the injury on Thursday and is expected to miss the remainder of the campaign.
"[I'm] disappointed that results show a torn ACL," she said 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."
Agyemang played a pivotal role in England’s European Championship success in the summer, scoring an equaliser in the 81st minute against Sweden in the quarter-finals and a 96th-minute leveller against Italy in the semi-finals.
Her contributions in Switzerland saw her awarded the young player of the tournament, while she was also shortlisted for the Kopa Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d'Or award ceremony in Paris.
Agyemang earned her spot in the England squad for the tournament after scoring 41 seconds into her England debut against Belgium in April.
After the young forward was seen leaving Pride Park on crutches, England manager Sarina Wiegman said: "That was an awful moment. It doesn’t look good. I’m not feeling very positive."
Agyemang's injury overshadowed an otherwise successful evening for the Lionesses, with goals from Aggie Beaver-Jones, Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway sealing a comfortable win.
Agyemang had scored one goal in five appearances for Brighton in the Women’s Super League this season.
Her parent club, Arsenal, said in a statement on Thursday: "We are in close contact with Brighton as we determine a treatment and recovery programme for Michelle.
"We send all our support to Michelle as she begins the road to recovery."
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Meanwhile, a statement from England read: "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.
"We are with you on your road to recovery, Michelle."
Watch and stream The Adobe Women’s FA Cup 2025/26 FA Cup season live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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