19yo Arsenal star fails to recover from injury, withdraws from England squad | OneFootball

Katie Reid has withdrawn from the England squad ahead of the upcoming international break after failing to recover from a groin issue that kept her out of Arsenal’s midweek Champions League win over Benfica.

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The 19-year-old defender was initially expected to join up with the Lionesses for their friendlies against Brazil and Australia, but she will now remain in North London to recover.

Arsenal had described her problem as a “tight groin” prior to the Benfica match, though it was not thought serious enough to threaten her international debut.

Reid’s withdrawal comes as a disappointment after a standout start to the season in which she has established herself as one of Renee Sleger’s most consistent performers.

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With Leah Williamson sidelined until Christmas with a knee injury, Reid has become an almost automatic pick in the centre of defence, starting and completing five of Arsenal’s six Women’s Super League matches as well as the Champions League opener against Lyon.

Former Arsenal youngster, Ruby Mace, who is now at Everton, has also withdrawn from the England u23 squad with an injury of her own. She has been replaced by Chelsea’s Ashanti Akpan.