Why 14 minutes were added on for this Arsenal player’s injury against Bristol City | OneFootball

Olivia Smith

Canada international Olivia Smith was stretchered off in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Bristol City in the fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup.

The 21-year-old was involved in a clash of heads early in the second half, and received treatment on the pitch before being carried off with a neck brace in place.

She was replaced by Frida Maanum in the 53rd minute.

And Maanum scored the third goal of the game, adding to Kim Little’s opener and Victoria Pelova’s strike just after the hour mark.

Smith suffered an awkward fall on international duty in October 2025, sustaining a hip injury against Switzerland that then kept her out of December’s Canada camp at Arsenal’s request.

Canada head coach Casey Stoney explained at the time that she had wanted to select Smith, but the club had asked for her to remain in England.

“They felt it was best for her to stay in the UK and return to fitness without the travel (to Japan),” she said.

“That’s the club’s decision. They work with her day to day. And hopefully if we can work with the club now, then hopefully next year she’ll be available to us,” s

Renee Slegers on “fantastic” versatility of Olivia Smith

Gunners head coach Renee Slegers had written about Smith in her matchday programme notes, commenting on her versatility as she has moved into a more central striking role – most notably in the 1-0 win over Manchester City

“Many things have stood out to me, but the versatility of the squad has been fantastic,” wrote Slegers.

“Before Manchester City, Olivia had never consistently played in that No 9 position. When Stina ]Blackstenius] dropped out with an injury, we had to re-examine our approach to that game. We were discussing the gameplan in the coaches’ office and Olivia’s name was mentioned.”