Young England sensation Michelle Agyemang has returned to her parent club Arsenal after a loan spell at Brighton and Hove Albion, during which time she suffered a huge injury setback.
The 19-year-old Essex born forward, was struck down with a horrific cruciate ligament injury, which was suffered on England duty in a 3-0 home win against Australia in October last year, just months after becoming a Lionesses legend in the retaining of their European Championship crown.
The loan to Brighton was the second time she has been sent out to the south coast outfit after a successful stint there last season. The injury meant that her playing time there was cut short, and will now spend her time recovering back at Arsenal.
The future is still very bright for Agyemang, after racing in to the spotlight just before the Euros campaign, and throughout the tournament in Switzerland. She scored two goals, both times levelling up games, that helped Sarina Weigman’s team reach the final, which they ultimately won on penalties against Spain.
Brighton waved goodbye for a second time to the young striker, and head coach Dario Vidosic said:
“It was a real privilege to welcome Michelle back in the summer and work with her for another season. Naturally, we’re disappointed that her second loan spell with the club has come to an end, but her rehab and mental wellbeing must remain the priority. For someone so young, her talent on the pitch and her strength of character off it are truly remarkable. She has been a leader within our squad, and we’re confident she’ll be back on the pitch very soon.”
Rehabilitation
Getting back for a torn ligament is tough at any time, let alone when you have the world at your feet such as Agyemang has. Her impact on the game was nothing short of phenomenal and an inspiration to so many, both in and outside of the game. She won the Young Player of the Tournament, and later in the year won the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year gong.
Brighton along with Arsenal, and with the expert help from all that the Football Association has helped in the early stages of her rehabilitation. Such is the programme they have and knowledge of this injury, which was once a career ending one, is something that all being well she will come back from stronger than before.