Arsenal show support for Cooney-Cross after family health update

Arsenal players, staff and fans publicly supported Kyra Cooney-Cross at the Emirates after she returned to Australia when her mother was diagnosed with stage four bile duct cancer.

Kyra Cooney-Cross was absent from Arsenal after travelling to Australia when her mother, Jess, was diagnosed with stage four cholangiocarcinoma. Arsenal acknowledged her absence ahead of the club’s first match after the WSL winter break against Manchester United. The squad warmed up wearing shirts bearing Cooney-Cross’s name and number 32, and fans at the Emirates held signs and applauded in the 32nd minute. Managers from both clubs offered public messages of support for Cooney-Cross and her family. Key details: - Cooney-Cross returned to Australia after her mother was diagnosed with stage four cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). - Arsenal players warmed up in shirts printed with "Cooney-Cross" and the number 32 before the match against Manchester United. - Fans at the Emirates held signs reading "We love you Kyra and Jess" and applauded in the 32nd minute during the goalless draw that attracted about 37,000 spectators. - Arsenal manager Renee Slegers and Manchester United manager Marc Skinner both offered messages of support for Cooney-Cross and her family. Summary: Arsenal and the wider football community publicly acknowledged Cooney-Cross's family situation during the match and showed visible support in her absence. Undetermined at this time.