Arsenal star Frida Maanum 'conscious and talking' after collapse during Conti Cup final

Arsenal Women star Frida Maanum is 'conscious and talking' after being stretchered off following an off-the-ball incident in the Conti Cup final, it has been announced.

The Norwegian international collapsed off the ball in the closing stages of the final against Chelsea, which is taking place at Wolves' Molineux Stadium.

The 24-year-old received lengthy medical treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off, with the midfielder wearing an oxygen mask.

Gunners players initially left the field before then returning to play out the final minutes of second half stoppage time, with the game ending at 0-0.

Play then continued for extra time, with Alessia Russo replacing Maanum.

Arsenal's Frida Maanum went down off the ball and received lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher.

We wish her all the best. pic.twitter.com/NBnKHUkPX9

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) March 31, 2024

BBC commentator Robyn Cowen then announced that Maanum was stable, before adding: "She is conscious, talking and well being looked after. A massive relief for all of us."

Earlier this month, the midfielder starred in Arsenal's 3-1 win over Aston Villa in the semi-final competition, scoring and providing an assist for Stina Blackstenius' opening goal.

She signed from Swedish side Linkoping in 2021, and scored nine goals for the Gunners in the Women's Super League last season.

Arsenal went on to win the Conti Cup final 1-0, with Blackstenius scoring the winning goal in the 116th minute of proceedings at Molineux.

Their win ends Chelsea's chances of winning a historic quadruple in what is manager Emma Hayes' final season in charge of the Blues before she begins her role as head coach of the United States in the summer.

Speaking after the match, Gunners team-mate Russo said of Maanum: "It's devastating to see one of your team-mates go down like that, and we're all wishing and praying that she's okay.

"I think it was written in the stars that her best mate went and scored the winner for her.

"Frida's a fantastic player and plays with every single bit of her body, and she did that today. We just hope she's okay."