MANCHESTER CITY and England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck has revealed she has suffered a stroke in an emotional statement.
The 24-year-old confirmed the news on her X account.
Roebuck has not featured in a competitive game for Manchester City or England this season.
She was last named as a substitute for Manchester City on January 24 for their League Cup game against Manchester United.
She took to X to say: “I feel now is the right time to give a little update on something I’ve been dealing with recently. Ready to give it all to get back to the thing I love most.”
She revealed that the reason for her absence is down to the fact she suffered an occipital infarct of the left lobe of her brain.
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An occipital infarct is the formal name given to an ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot clogging an artery in the brain.
A stroke in the occipital lobe can cause visual disturbances like blurry vision, hallucinations or in worst cases, blindness.
She confirmed that she is “on the road to recovery” and that there has been no lasting damage to her brain function or vision.
In her statement, she said: “Unfortunately, having not felt well for a little while, I had some tests and it was discovered that I had suffered a left occipital infarct. Thankfully, there is no lasting damage to my brain function or vision.
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What is an occipital infarct?
Manchester City and England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck took to X to confirm she has suffered an occipital infarct.
The occipital lobes are located on the left and right side of the back of the brain. These are responsible for interpreting visual stimuli and are crucial in assessing distance, depth and size, identifying faces and determining colour. A stroke occurs when one or both of these lobes are either blocked or experience a bleed. Symptoms of a stroke in these lobes include: Double vision, possible blindness, difficulty recognising faces or perceiving colour, seeing grey spots or difficulty with focus. Nonvisual symptoms can include headaches, memory difficulty, behavioural changes, difficulty reading and difficulty with language.
“I have had many weeks of follow up tests, specialist appointments, and with the support of the medical team at the club I’m on the road to recovery.
“It’s great to be back with the girls, working on my rehab and more importantly feeling back to being normal Ellie.
“It’s been a really tough time, but with the support of my family, I’m now really positive and excited for my return to the pitch.
“Life can throw unexpected challenges at you and if this year has taught me anything, it’s that I’m strong and will give it all I’ve got for the thing I love most.
“I’m very grateful for your well-wishes and concern. My family and I would appreciate privacy while I concentrate on completing my recovery. Ellie.”
Lioness Chloe Kelly led the well wishes to Roebuck as she replied: “Got you always❤️” on X.
England’s Lioness account replied: “We’re all with you! ❤️”
Roebuck has won 11 caps for the Lionesses, with her last appearance in an England shirt coming in February 2023.
She was an unused member of both the World Cup squad and the 2022 Euros-winning side.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
