Arsenal midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross returns to Emirates Stadium this Sunday

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 5:53 AM

Last updated Sep 11, 2026

Arsenal midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross returns to Emirates Stadium this Sunday
Summary

Arsenal midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross is set to play at Emirates Stadium for the first time since the death of her mother, Jess, in July. The 24-year-old Australia international took compassionate leave from the club earlier this year following her mother's terminal cancer diagnosis. Cooney-Cross maintained a solo training routine while in Australia to remain prepared for the season. She returned to the Arsenal squad recently and was an unused substitute in the team's opening match against Brighton. Cooney-Cross is expected to feature as Arsenal prepares to host Crystal Palace at the Emirates this Sunday. She credited her teammates and coaching staff, including Renee Slegers and Claire Wheatley, for supporting her during her absence from the club.

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By the Numbers
  • Kyra Cooney-Cross returns to the Emirates Stadium for the first time since her mother passed away in July.
  • The midfielder took six months of compassionate leave to be with her family in Australia.
  • Cooney-Cross was an unused substitute in Arsenal's season opener against Brighton.
  • Arsenal faces Crystal Palace at home this Sunday.
Latest Updates
  • 5:53 AMYahoo Sports'I want to play for mum' – Arsenal's Cooney-Cross
  • 5:52 AMBBC Sport'I want to play for mum' – Arsenal's Cooney-Cross
What they're saying
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Arsenal's Kyra Cooney-Cross is preparing to play at Emirates Stadium for the first time since losing her mum Jess to cancer, and explains how she has been facing up to her bereavement "one day at a time".

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Arsenal's Kyra Cooney-Cross is preparing to play at Emirates Stadium for the first time since losing her mum Jess to cancer, and explains how she has been facing up to her bereavement "one day at a time".

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