Arsenal defender Amanda Ilestedt will be sidelined for several months after announcing the news that she is pregnant.
The Gunners revealed the player’s pregnancy via a post on their official club website earlier this afternoon.
Ilestedt will be unavailable for selection for the long term, however, she will continue light training with Arsenal as she bids to retain her fitness throughout the early stages of her pregnancy.
Arsenal signed Ilestedt on a free transfer last summer following the conclusion of the player’s contract with French club Paris Saint-Germain. The Swedish international defender has gone on to make 17 appearances for The Gunners in all competitions in which she has scored three goals.
Ilestedt’s final appearance prior to her pregnancy came last month as Arsenal suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat to West Ham United at The Chigwell Construction Stadium. The player will now be cheering her teammates on from the sidelines as Arsenal pursue a league and domestic cup double.
Arsenal continue their season without Ilestedt’s services when they travel to Stamford Bridge to face title rivals Chelsea on Friday evening. The Gunners arguably need to win that match to boost their hopes of securing a first Barclays Women’s Super League title since the 2018/2019 season.