Arsenal Women have revealed that examinations on Frida Maanum have discovered "no obvious cardiac causes" for her distressing collapse in last weekend's Women's League Cup final.
The Norway international went down off the ball in the 96th minute of the contest at Molineux, where a Stina Blackstenius goal saw the Gunners retain the title over Chelsea with a 1-0 win.
However, concern immediately turned to Maanum, who was given oxygen as she was stretchered off the field, although Arsenal quickly revealed that she was in a stable condition.
Maanum supposedly did not need to go to hospital and was able to travel home with her teammates in a reassuring update on her status, although she understandably did not link up with the Norway squad for this month's Euro 2025 qualifiers.
The 24-year-old was still sent for testing in the wake of the incident, and Arsenal provided fans with the latest on her condition on Thursday, confirming that Maanum does not appear to be suffering from any underlying cardiac problems.
The Scandinavian lynchpin has nevertheless been fitted with a device to monitor her heart function, and she will be gradually phased back into full training with her teammates before all parties make a decision on her returning to competitive action.
Maanum to undergo "progressive" return to training
"Following the incident during The FA Women's Continental League Cup Final on Sunday, which resulted in Maanum being substituted at the end of normal time, she has undergone extensive testing and support from our medical team at Arsenal," a statement read.
Medical update on Frida Maanum ❤️
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) April 4, 2024
"The test results have been reviewed by two leading cardiologists and there are no obvious cardiac causes found from these thorough investigations so far. Frida has subsequently had a monitoring device fitted to record her heart function and will now undergo a progressive return to training protocol.
"Once Frida has been monitored for a full one-week period, her normal training will be closely reviewed and monitored, before a decision will be made on her returning to play.
"Due to her continued progression and assessment at Arsenal, Frida will not be joining up with the Norway national team for their forthcoming European Championship qualifiers against Finland and the Netherlands."
Maanum arrived at Arsenal from Swedish outfit Linkoping in 2021 and has come up with 27 goals in 104 matches for the Gunners in all competitions, including two strikes from 17 Women's Super League fixtures in the current season.
Arsenal's triumph over Chelea was also overshadowed by an incident involving managers Jonas Eidevall and Emma Hayes, the latter of whom took issue with Eidevall's attitude towards Erin Cuthbert over a throw-in quarrel.
Hayes appeared to give Eidevall a slight shove as the duo shook hands at full time, but the FA will reportedly take no further action against the Chelsea manager, who accused the Arsenal head coach of "male aggression", to which Eidevall hit back at her "irresponsible" comments.
Arsenal occupy third place in the WSL table and return to action at home to Bristol City on April 14 following the international break.
Ben Knapton
