Arsenal Goalkeeper Anneke Borbe Discharged After Head Injury

Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe has been discharged from hospital following a concerning head injury in the Women’s Champions Cup final, bringing relief to fans and teammates after a tense few hours.

Arsenal Goalkeeper Anneke Borbe: Positive News After Scare

Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe was at the center of concern after suffering a brutal head injury during Arsenal’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Corinthians in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup final. The 25-year-old German, who has been in exceptional form, played a vital role throughout the tournament. Not only did she keep a clean sheet in the semi-final against AS FAR Rabat, but her stellar performances saw her named Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

However, the joy of victory was overshadowed when Borbe collided with teammate Lotte Wubben-Moy while diving for a loose ball in the dying moments of the final. She was stretchered off the pitch in a neck brace and given oxygen, causing immediate and serious concern among players and supporters.

Borbe’s Condition and Arsenal’s Goalkeeper Dilemma

After initial fears, Arsenal quickly received the welcome news that Borbe’s injury was not as severe as it first appeared. She was taken to hospital as a precaution and, following thorough medical checks, was discharged the same evening, returning home to recover under observation. This positive update has eased anxieties, but the incident has once again highlighted Arsenal’s ongoing struggles with goalkeeping injuries.

Arsenal’s goalkeeping unit has been under pressure throughout the season. Manuela Zinsberger suffered an ACL tear in October, ruling her out for the rest of the campaign. Dutch international Daphne van Domselaar, who replaced Borbe as a late substitute in the final, has only just returned from a quad injury, making her first appearance since November.

Anneke Borbe’s Unexpected Rise to Arsenal No.1

Borbe, who arrived from Wolfsburg last summer on a free transfer, has stepped up as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper in recent months—a remarkable turnaround considering her limited playing time in the years prior. At Werder Bremen she established herself as a starter, but at Wolfsburg managed only ten appearances across two seasons. It took another injury, this time to van Domselaar, before Borbe made her Arsenal debut in December.

Since then, she has shown resilience and composure, including overcoming a scare in the Champions League win over Twente when it appeared she might have to make way for 17-year-old Amy Liddiard. Fortunately, Borbe recovered and has been a steady presence between the posts.

Should Arsenal Reinforce Their Goalkeeping Ranks?

This latest injury scare has reignited speculation about Arsenal’s need for further reinforcements in the goalkeeper department before the January transfer window closes. With Zinsberger sidelined for the season and her contract expiring in the summer, and van Domselaar only recently returning, depth remains limited. Arsenal recalled Naomi Williams from a loan spell at Bristol City to bolster their ranks, but Williams has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Gunners.

The club faces a tight deadline to act if they wish to sign an experienced shot-stopper, with only teenage prospect Liddiard providing cover beyond the current options.

Upcoming Challenges: Manchester City Await in WSL

Looking ahead, Arsenal have little time to regroup. Their next fixture is a crucial Women’s Super League clash against league leaders Manchester City. With City sitting 13 points ahead, Arsenal’s title aspirations are slim, but a strong result is vital in the race for a Champions League spot. The Gunners currently occupy fourth place, one point behind Chelsea and two behind Manchester United, with a game in hand.

Manager Renee Slegers will likely turn to van Domselaar for the full 90 minutes, hoping the Dutch keeper can maintain her fitness and composure against City’s high-powered attack, which recently netted five goals past reigning champions Chelsea.

Opinion: Arsenal Must Strengthen for Sustained Success

Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe’s swift recovery is a huge relief, but the situation highlights the risks of a thin squad in such a demanding campaign. With injuries taking their toll and key matches looming, strengthening the goalkeeping department before the transfer deadline feels not just wise, but necessary. For more news on Arsenal and women’s football, visit for more news.