Amanda Ilestedt: Arsenal and Sweden defender announces pregnancy

Amanda Ilestedt of Arsenal waves to fansGetty Images

Ilestedt has made 15 appearances and scored three goals in all competitions for Arsenal

Arsenal centre-back Amanda Ilestedt has announced she is pregnant with her first child.

The Sweden defender, 31, joined Arsenal in June from Paris St-Germain.

Arsenal confirmed she would take part in "light training activities" but would "not be available for selection until after she has given birth".

"We are delighted to share the happy news that Amanda Ilestedt is expecting her first child," read a statement on the club's website.

"Amanda is doing well and we are supporting her closely throughout this new and exciting journey."

Ilestedt has made 12 Women's Super League (WSL) appearances this season, but has not featured for the Gunners since a 2-1 defeat by West Ham on 4 February.

Arsenal are third in the WSL - three points off leaders Chelsea, who they face at Stamford Bridge on Friday.

"Amanda will keep in close contact with our medical team as her pregnancy progresses, but will not now be available for selection until after she has given birth," added the club.

"Everybody at Arsenal would like to send our warm congratulations to Amanda and her partner Rainer ahead of the new arrival."

Players in the top two tiers of women's football in England receive full wages for the first 14 weeks of maternity leave and then statutory pay after an agreement in January 2022.

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has said WSL clubs need to do more to help players who have babies.

West Ham captain Dagny Brynjarsdottir, who is on maternity leave after giving birth to her second son last month, has been praised for taking part in an "incredible" film - released earlier this month - that shows her pregnancy journey and the challenges she faced as an elite footballer.

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