Man City and England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck reveals she suffered a stroke in her brain… but the 24-year-old says she did not have any ‘lasting damage’ and is now ‘on the road to recovery’

Manchester City and England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck has announced she is recovering from a stroke in her brain.

Roebuck, who has 11 caps for the Lionesses, has not played a competitive game this season and was last named on the substitutes bench for a League Cup game against Manchester United on January 24.

The 24-year-old revealed on social media on Saturday that the reason for her recent absence is because she suffered an occipital infarct of the left lobe.

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.

An occipital lobe stroke may cause visual disturbances like blurry vision, hallucinations or in worst cases, blindness.

Roebuck revealed on social media why she has not played a competitive game this season

 She confirmed in a statement that after undergoing tests she had suffered an ‘occipital infarct’

Roebuck, who has 11 caps for the Lionesses, has not played a competitive game this season

Roebuck said she is ‘on the road to recovery’ and that there is no lasting damage to her brain function or vision.

‘I feel like now is the right time to share what’s been happening lately,’ Roebuck said in a statement on social media.

‘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.

‘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.

Roebuck said she is ‘on the road to recovery’ and that there is no lasting damage to her brain function

Her last game for England came in February 2023 and she was an unused member of the squad at the Women’s World Cup

 Her last appearance for City came in the League Cup against Man United back in January

Roebuck has been named on the City bench for nine matches across all competitions this season

‘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.’

Roebuck has been named on the City bench for nine matches across all competitions this season. Her last game for England came in February 2023 and she was an unused member of both the World Cup squad and the 2022 Euros-winning side.