Kyra Cooney-Cross Returns to Arsenal After Mother's Passing

Kyra Cooney-Cross made her return to the pitch during Arsenal's preseason match against Paris FC, receiving a warm welcome from fans. The Matildas midfielder had been absent since the end of last season following her mother's cancer diagnosis.

Cooney's mother, Jessica Cooney, passed away on July 10. Prior to her death, Cooney-Cross had taken indefinite compassionate leave to support her mother. She played her first match in over five months, coming on in the 63rd minute of the game, which Arsenal won 1-0.

Cooney-Cross's last appearance before this match was in March during the AFC Women's Asian Cup final. She returned to training with Arsenal on August 17, ahead of the Women's Super League season opener against Brighton & Hove Albion.