Manchester City goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck says she has suffered a left occipital infarct.
Roebuck, 24, said in a statement that she has not sustained lasting damage to her brain function or vision, adding that she is “ready to give it all to get back to the thing I love most”.
An infarct is defined as “an area of necrosis in a tissue or organ resulting from obstruction of the local circulation”, according to Miriam Webster, and the occipital is a lobe located at the back of the head which has a left and right side.
Roebuck has been absent from the last 11 City matchday squads, last making the substitutes’ bench during the 2-1 Conti Cup win over Manchester United on January 24.
“I feel like now is the right time to share what’s been happening lately,” Roebuck posted on social media.
“Unfortunately, having not felt well for a little while, I had some tests and it was discovered that I had suffered a left occipital infarct. Thankfully, there is no lasting damage to my brain function or vision.
“I’ve had many weeks of follow-up tests, specialist appointments, and with the support of the medical team at the club I’m on the road to recovery. It’s great to be back with the girls, working on my rehab and more importantly feeling back to being normal Ellie.
“It’s been a really tough time, but with the support of my family, I’m now really positive and excited for my return to the pitch. Life can throw unexpected challenges at you and if this year has taught me anything, it’s that I’m strong and will give it all I’ve got for the thing I love most.
“I’m very grateful for your well-wishes and concern. My family and I would appreciate privacy while I concentrate on completing my recovery.”
Roebuck lost her place as City’s first-choice goalkeeper to Khiara Keating at the start of this season and has not featured at all. The England international is out of contract at the end of this campaign.
I feel now is the right time to give a little update on something I’ve been dealing with recently 🩵👉 ready to give it all to get back to the thing I love most ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ltqQnNLOJG
— Ellie Roebuck (@ellieroebuck) March 30, 2024
(Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)