Ellie Carpenter returned to competitive action with Olympique Lyon on Saturday less than nine months after an ACL reconstruction.
Carpenter tore her ACL in her left knee in the Women’s UEFA Champions League final on May 21 which Lyon won 3-1 over Barcelona.
But the Matildas full-back returned to action as a 63rd minute substitute in Lyon’s 5-0 win over Rodez in the French Feminine Division 1 on Saturday.
Very proud and grateful to be back. I have learned a lot during these months about myself. The ones who have been there since day 1. Thank you, my support system has been second to none. Would not be here without you guys. I’m just getting started 💪🏽@olfeminin @matildas pic.twitter.com/KNPsSAolNN
— Ellie Carpenter (@CarpenterEllie) February 4, 2023
Elsewhere, Caitlin Foord put in a full shift while Steph Catley started and played 68 minutes as Arsenal were denied by Mackenzie Arnold‘s West Ham United in a 0-0 draw in the English Women’s Super League on Sunday.
Arnold was in fine form making numerous crucial saves to thwart the Gunners and keep a clean sheet.
She rushed out to deny Frida Maanum twice in the first half, along with a good save from Stina Blackstenius and from Raffaele Souza’s flick.
Foord spurned a late chance when in on goal, sending a chip into the stands.
Hammers boss Paul Konchesky said: “All 11 of them on the pitch tonight were defending for their lives. We kept a clean sheet which was fantastic for Mackenzie Arnold and the back four, but defending starts from the front and every single one of them today had to put a shift in.”
🎶 Super Mac! 👏 pic.twitter.com/SlTnsZt3XM
— West Ham United Women (@westhamwomen) February 5, 2023
Sam Kerr provided the assist for the decisive goal as Chelsea won 3-2 at Tottenham on Sunday.
Kerr laid off for Guro Reiten to break clear for a 64th minute strike to make it 3-1, with the Matildas captain replaced in the 74th minute. The result moved Chelsea into top spot.
Strong. pic.twitter.com/FpjfzCYZXy
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) February 5, 2023
Mary Fowler and Hayley Raso both got minutes off the bench as Manchester City won 2-0 at Leicester City in the English Women’s Super League on Saturday.
Fowler and Raso both came on in the 79th minute for City, while Alanna Kennedy was absent.
Emily Gielnik was a 63rd minute substitute as Aston Villa drew 1-1 with Brighton.
Clare Wheeler was a 56th minute substitute as Everton drew 0-0 at Manchester United.
Jacynta Galabadaarachchi hit the crossbar late as Celtic won 3-0 over Aberdeen in the Scottish Women’s Premier League on Sunday.
'87 – Busy closing stages as Fergusson gets involved inside the six-yard box again and Jacynta rattles the crossbar from distance.
🍀3-0🔴#CELABE | #SWPL | #COYGIG
— Celtic FC Women (@CelticFCWomen) February 5, 2023
