Canadian forward Olivia Smith, a prominent player, sustained a hip pointer injury during a 1-0 defeat against Switzerland. She has now returned to her club, Arsenal in London, for specialized treatment to aid her recovery. The 21-year-old, hailing from Whitby, Ont., is focusing on recuperation following the injury.
Additionally, teenage forward Kaylee Hunter, aged 17 and from Calgary, has departed from the national squad due to a pre-existing injury that prevented her from participating in the match against Switzerland. Hunter has headed back to AFC Toronto to continue her rehabilitation process.
The Canadian women’s team, currently ranked ninth globally, will be striving to recuperate from their recent loss to the 24th-ranked Switzerland. Their upcoming challenge awaits against the 11th-ranked Netherlands on Tuesday in Nijmegen. Further, the team is scheduled to conclude the year 2025 with matches against the eighth-ranked Japan during the November FIFA window.
Smith, who had recently switched to Arsenal from Liverpool in July for a record transfer fee of one million pounds ($1.87 million), suffered the injury during her debut match for Canada. The injury occurred in the 32nd minute when she was brought down by Swiss defender Viola Calligaris in a challenging clash for the ball. Smith had to be assisted off the field and received medical attention for approximately five minutes.
Canada’s head coach, Casey Stoney, expressed disappointment at the lack of favorable decisions during the match and raised concerns about the treatment Smith received from opponents. Smith, a talented player who has been named Canada Youth Player of the Year in 2019 and 2024, has showcased her skills with three goals and three assists in 19 senior appearances for Canada.
Furthermore, Hunter, who boasts an impressive scoring record at the youth level, was called up to the senior national team after AFC Toronto declined to release her for the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. Despite her absence from the youth championship, Hunter has been a standout performer with 14 goals and three assists in the Northern Super League this season.
Both Smith and Hunter’s health and recovery remain a top priority for their respective teams as they navigate through their rehabilitation processes.
