Manchester City goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck says she suffered a left occipital infarction.
Roebuck, 24, said in a statement that she suffered no lasting damage to her brain function or vision, adding that she was “willing to give anything to get back to what I love most”.
A heart attack is defined as “an area of necrosis in a tissue or organ resulting from obstruction of local circulation,” according to Miriam Webster, and the occipital is a lobe at the back of the head that has one side left and one right side.
Roebuck has been absent from City’s last 11 matchday squads, most recently coming on the substitutes’ bench in the 2-1 Conti Cup win over Manchester United on January 24.
“I feel like it’s a good time to share what’s been going on lately,” Roebuck said on social media.
“Unfortunately, not feeling well for a while, I had some tests and it was discovered that I had suffered a left occipital infarction. Fortunately, there is no lasting damage to my brain function or vision.
“I have had several weeks of follow-up tests, appointments with specialists and with the support of the club’s medical team, I am on the road to recovery. It’s great to be back with the girls, working on my rehabilitation and, most importantly, being a normal Ellie again.
“It’s been a really difficult time, but with the support of my family, I’m now very positive and excited about getting back on the field. Life can throw unexpected challenges at you and if this year has taught me anything, it’s that I am strong and will give everything I have for what I love most.
“I am very grateful for your well wishes and concern. My family and I would appreciate privacy while I focus on my recovery.
Roebuck lost her place as City’s first-choice goalkeeper to Khiara Keating at the start of this season and has not featured at all. The England international is out of contract at the end of this campaign.
I think it’s a good time to take stock of something I experienced recently 🩵👉 ready to give everything to get back to what I love most ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ltqQnNLOJG
-Ellie Roebuck (@ellieroebuck) March 30, 2024
(Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)