Matildas star makes Arsenal return after family tragedy

Matildas midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross has played her first match in more than five months after taking time away from football to be with her late mother.

Cooney-Cross was sent on in the 63rd minute as Arsenal recorded a 1-0 pre-season win over Paris FC in Borehamwood.

The 67-time international recorded her first minutes since the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup final in March, when she started in the Matildas' 1-0 loss to Japan in Sydney.

Cooney-Cross announced on January 8 via Instagram that her mother Jessica Cooney was diagnosed with terminal Stage 4 bile duct cancer. She died on July 10.

Arsenal manager Renee Slegers confirmed on March 28 that Cooney-Cross was granted indefinite compassionate leave and would remain in Australia after the Asian Cup to tend to her mother.

The 24-year-old returned to Arsenal's pre-season training on August 17, with the Gunners' Women's Super League campaign set to begin on Sunday evening against former Socceroo Dario Vidosic's Brighton & Hove Albion.

Cooney-Cross received a rousing ovation at Meadow Park as she was substituted on alongside compatriot Steph Catley.

The former A-League Women's star with Melbourne Victory and Western Sydney Wanderers was involved in the build up to Canadian attacker Olivia Smith's 91st minute winner.

Arsenal's final pre-season match is against Charlton Athletic on August 26.

The Addicks signed Australian trio Emily van Egmond - who marked a national record 170 international appearances during the AFC Women's Asian Cup - alongside fellow Matildas midfielder Leah Davidson and youth international Grace Johnston, following the club's promotion from the Women's Super League 2 in May.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Jada Whyman is returning to A-League club Sydney FC after a stint in Sweden.Whyman is yet to play for the Matildas but has been selected in multiple national squads.