England hero Michelle Agyemang in devastating injury diagnosis after being carried off on stretcher in Lionesses clash
The 19-year-old has vowed to come back stronger
ENGLAND striker Michelle Agyemang is expected to be ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury.
The 19-year-old was forced off on a stretcher during a friendly between the Lionesses and Australia at Pride Park on Tuesday.
She had attempted to win the ball from Aussie midfielder Clare Wheeler but planted her leg awkwardly, causing her knee to jolt.
England manager Sarina Wiegman later expressed concern that Agymang had suffered a serious injury.
And now it has been confirmed that she ruptured her ACL and will be sidelined for a lengthy period.
A statement from Arsenal – the striker’s parent club – read: “We can confirm that Michelle Agyemang suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament injury while playing in England’s 3-0 win over Australia in Derby on Tuesday.
“Michelle came off the bench in the 62nd minute and sustained the injury just before the 80-minute mark.
“The 19-year-old forward, who is currently on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, will miss the remainder of the 2025/26 season as a result of the injury.
“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.”
Agyemang has been on loan at Brighton since the start of the campaign, scoring once in eight appearances.
The striker took to social media on Thursday morning to write: “Disappointed that results show a torn ACL. I am so grateful for all the kind words and the support from everyone.
“Recovery starts now, I will be back stronger than before.
“In all things I give thanks to the Most High God, this test will surely turn into a testimony.”
Agyemang became a household in the summer when she played a crucial role in helping England to Euro 2025 glory.
She scored a crucial equaliser in the quarter-final against Sweden before levelling things up against Italy in the last minute of the semi-final clash.
The striker was also named Young Player of the Tournament in Switzerland.
