The USWNT defender Emily Fox has signed for Arsenal from National Women’s Soccer League’s North Carolina Courage. Fox has gained 39 caps for her country after making her debut in 2018 and has won the Concacaf Women’s Championship and SheBelieves Cup with the national team. She was also a part of the 2023 Women’s World Cup squad, who were knocked out by Sweden in the last 16.
“It feels amazing to have signed here,” she said. “When I think of Arsenal, I think of excellence, I think of a global organisation, I think of family. I think of pushing the standards of football and especially in the women’s game. It’s a huge honour to get the opportunity to represent this club and I’m excited to get started and play in front of our supporters.”
Villa blow with Parker set for ankle surgery
The Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker is set to undergo ankle surgery and is expected to miss "the majority" of the remainder of the season, the Women's Super League side have said.
The 25-year-old, signed from West Ham last summer, was called up to England's squad in October only to withdraw because of an ankle issue.
A statement from Villa on X, formerly Twitter, said: "Lucy has picked up a recurring ankle injury which requires surgery. The defender is likely to be sidelined for the majority of the season."
Villa have also said Parker's fellow defender Dan Turner is set to be out until mid-February due to a knee problem. Carla Ward's side host Everton in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday. PA Media
The 25-year-old has never played outside the US after also competing for Racing Louisville in the NWSL. The Arsenal manager, Jonas Eidevall, said: “We’re delighted to bring Emily to Arsenal and I’m sure our supporters will join me in welcoming her to our club. Emily has shown impressive development over recent seasons and her strengths in both phases will make her an important addition to our squad.”
Arsenal are third in the Women’s Super League, below Manchester City on goal difference and trail the leaders, Chelsea, by three points. The league returns from its winter break on 27 January, with Arsenal back in action a day later when they travel to Liverpool.
