Canadian forward Olivia Smith, who sustained an injury in a 1-0 defeat against Switzerland, has returned to her club in England for treatment for a hip pointer. Canada Soccer announced that the 21-year-old from Whitby, Ont., will be focusing on her recovery at Arsenal in London.
Another forward, 17-year-old Kaylee Hunter from Calgary, has also left the national team due to an injury sustained prior to the game against Switzerland. Hunter did not participate in the match and has gone back to AFC Toronto for further rehabilitation.
Following their loss to Switzerland, the ninth-ranked Canadian women’s team is gearing up to face the 11th-ranked Netherlands in Nijmegen on Tuesday. They are scheduled to wrap up their 2025 fixtures with two games against eighth-ranked Japan during the November FIFA window.
Smith, who recently made her first appearance for Canada since moving to Arsenal from Liverpool in a record-breaking transfer deal, was injured in a collision during the game against Switzerland. The incident led to Smith being taken off the field for medical attention.
Canada coach Casey Stoney expressed concerns about the treatment Smith received during the game, emphasizing the need for fair play. Smith, a two-time Canada Youth Player of the Year, has shown promise with three goals and three assists in her senior appearances for the national team.
Hunter, who has been in fine form for AFC Toronto, was called up to the senior national team after missing out on the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup due to club commitments. Despite her young age, Hunter has been a prolific scorer and has made a mark at the youth level since her international debut at 15.
