Australian midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross has returned to Australia from her club duties with Arsenal in England. Her return follows the diagnosis of her mother, Jess, with Stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma, a form of bile duct cancer described as rare, aggressive, and without a known cure.
Player's Return and Diagnosis
Kyra Cooney-Cross, 23, announced her presence in Australia with her mother and family via her Instagram account. Her mother, Jess, is reported to be hospitalized in Queensland with the recently diagnosed condition.
Impact on Club Commitments
Cooney-Cross's return to Australia made her unavailable for Arsenal's Women's Super League (WSL) match against Manchester United. This match marked the resumption of the English competition after its Christmas break. Prior to her departure, Cooney-Cross had received Arsenal's player of the month award. She joined Arsenal in 2023 from Swedish club Hammarby.
Expressions of Support
Following Cooney-Cross's announcement, widespread support was conveyed from the football community:
- Teammates and National Teams: Arsenal teammates, including fellow Matildas Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord, expressed their support. Matildas and Chelsea forward Sam Kerr also conveyed messages of solidarity. The Matildas' official social media account posted a message of support.
- Club Officials: Arsenal manager Renee Slegers acknowledged Cooney-Cross's absence, stating that her priority was to be with her family. Manchester United manager Marc Skinner also extended support from his club to Cooney-Cross and her family.
- Matchday Tributes:
- During warm-ups for the WSL match against Manchester United at Arsenal's home ground in north London, Arsenal players wore shirts bearing Cooney-Cross's name and playing number, 32.
- A group of spectators, among the 37,000 in attendance, displayed signs reading "We love you Kyra and Jess" in the 32nd minute of the match, which was met with applause from the crowd.
- The match between Arsenal and Manchester United concluded in a goalless draw.