Arsenal’s Olivia Smith withdraws from SheBelieves Cup with Canada after concussion

Arsenal and Canada forward Olivia Smith has been ruled out of the upcoming SheBelieves Cup after sustaining a concussion during the Gunners’ 3-0 win over Bristol City in the Women’s FA Cup on Sunday.

The 21-year-old was stretchered off in the second half following a clash of heads that forced referee and medical teams to halt play for an extended period, resulting in 14 minutes of stoppage time. Smith was fitted with a neck brace as a precautionary measure before leaving the pitch, but later tests confirmed no additional injury beyond the concussion.

Canada Soccer announced on Monday that Smith will not travel with the national team for the four-team tournament, which begins on 1 March against Colombia and continues with fixtures against the United States (4 March) and Argentina (7 March). Denver Summit forward Megan Reid has been called up to replace her.

Arsenal confirmed that Smith will remain in London during the international break and continue her recovery under the supervision of the club’s medical staff. The versatile attacker, who became the first £1 million signing in women’s football when she joined from Liverpool last July, has scored eight goals for the Gunners this season.

Jonas Eidevall’s side, currently fourth in the Women’s Super League table, return to action on 15 March away to London City Lionesses in the WSL.