Two young Arsenal players, Michelle Agyemang and Katie Reid, are recovering from serious injuries. Their situation has raised concerns about player safety in women's football.
In early August 2023, Arsenal announced that three young players would join Watford on a dual agreement. Among them were Michelle Agyemang and Katie Reid, who have recently gained attention for their impressive performances. However, both players have now suffered serious knee injuries, which have put their careers on hold. These injuries mean they will miss the rest of the 2025/26 season.
Injuries can sometimes open doors for other players. Leah Williamson's injury allowed Reid to step up into the first team, while Agyemang's call-up to the England squad came after another player's injury. Their recent setbacks are particularly tough given their rising careers and the progress they had made.
The third player from the dual agreement, Laila Harbert, is also looking to make her mark. At just 18, she joined Portland Thorns this summer after previous loans. Harbert is eager to gain experience and improve her skills in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Harbert expressed her sadness over Agyemang and Reid's injuries, stating that it is hard to hear such news about friends. She emphasized the need for better protection for players as ACL injuries are becoming more common in women's football.
Harbert has been with Arsenal since she was nine and trained with both boys and girls teams. This experience helped her improve her game. Her family made sacrifices to support her football career, moving closer to Arsenal's training facilities.
Currently, Harbert is focused on her time with the Thorns, where she recently participated in a playoff match. After the playoffs, Arsenal will discuss her future development. Harbert is aware of the challenges young players face in the Women’s Super League, where the average player age is around 25-26.
Harbert is committed to her growth as a player, understanding that her journey involves more than just immediate results. She aims to enjoy the process while working hard to reach her goals, hoping to return to Arsenal and compete for a starting position in the future.
