Women’s League Cup final delayed after Arsenal star Frida Maanum goes down off the ball and given oxygen in scary scenes

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ARSENAL Women’s star Frida Maanum collapsed off the ball and needed oxygen in horror scenes at the women’s League Cup final.

The Norwegian, 24, went down on the pitch at Molineux and was attended to by at least ten paramedics.

Arsenal's Frida Maanum went down off the ball and received lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher.

We wish her all the best. pic.twitter.com/NBnKHUkPX9

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) March 31, 2024

Players of Arsenal and Jonas Eidevall, Manager of Arsenal, huddle as Frida Maanum of Arsenal (not pictured) receives medical treatment during the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Molineux on March 31, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

The incident occurred in stoppage time at the end of the second half and play was initially allowed to continue before fans alerted the referee to what was happening.

Team-mate Katie McCabe was the first player to attend to Maanum and she called over the physios for help along with Stina Blackstenius.

The Arsenal medical team initially rushed on to the pitch to attend to Maanum before parademics offered their help.

McCabe ushered her team-mates away from Maanum as medics spent around eight minutes attending to the Norwegian.

The Arsenal stars huddled in a circle as their team-mate received treatment.

Maanum was then given oxygen as she was stretched off the pitch to applause from the crowd.

Play resumed with the score level at 0-0, with minutes remaining before extra-time.

Arsenal then tweeted an update confirming Maanum was speaking and in a stable condition.

Soccer Football - FA Women's League Cup - Final - Arsenal v Chelsea - Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain - March 31, 2024 BBC Presenter Alex Scott before the match Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra

Frida Maanum of Arsenal runs with the ball during the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Molineux on March 31, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Who is Frida Maanum?

Frida arrived at Arsenal in 2021 from Linkoping.

An all-action midfielder, the 24-year-old can play anywhere in the middle of the park.

She made her debut for Norway aged just 17, and has now won 72 caps for her country, scoring 12 goals.

Frida was part of the Norway 2023 World Cup Squad.

They progressed into the round of 16 where they lost to Japan 3-1. She appeared off the bench in that game.

The update reads: “Frida is conscious, talking and in a stable condition.

“She will continue to be monitored closely by our medical team.

“We’re all with you, Frida.”

Alex Scott said on BBC commentator: “We’re all thinking of you Frida.”

England star Chloe Kelly tweeted support, writing: “Thoughts are with Frida Maanum ”

Bethany England wrote: “My thoughts go out to Maanum right now. The football world is with you. Speedy recovery ”

While former Lioness Casey Stoney wrote: “Thoughts with Frida Maanum. Really hope is ok ”

“She will continue to be monitored closely by our medical team.

“We’re all with you, Frida ”

There was some joy for Arsenal later though when Stina Blackstenius’ goal earned them a 1-0 victory and meant they retained the trophy against outgoing Chelsea boss Emma Hayes’ team.