Arsenal winger Tobin Heath has left the club, ending her contract slightly early by mutual consent. The US legend signed for the club last summer to much fanfare.
A long-time Arsenal fan, Heath’s signing was seen as something of a home coming. However, she has been dogged by muscle injuries since her signing and has been unable to complete 90 minutes in a game during her stint at the club. Stina Blackstenius signed for the club in July and has surpassed Heath for minutes played this season.
Heath sustained another hamstring injury in training last week which will rule her out for the rest of the season. Having only signed a one-year deal, that takes her to the end of her current deal so a decision has been made to end it a few weeks early so she can focus on her rehabilitation in the US.
A statement on the Arsenal website read, “We can confirm that Tobin Heath has been released early from her contract with the club by mutual agreement.
“Tobin sustained a minor hamstring injury in training last week which has ruled her out of our remaining Barclays FA Women’s Super League matches over the next two weeks.
“With Tobin’s one-year contract ending at the end of the 2021/22 season, it has been agreed by all parties for Tobin to be released early to enable her to travel back to the USA and focus on her rehabilitation with her personal medical team.
“Although I’m disappointed that my time at Arsenal has come to an early end, I have loved every minute of my time here,” said Tobin. “I would like to thank everyone at the Club who has made me feel so welcome. Arsenal is a special Club and this is a special group of players. I have no doubt that they are bound for success in the near future and I’ll be supporting the team with the rest of the Arsenal family from now on.”
“Head coach Jonas Eidevall said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Tobin this season. She has made an important contribution both on and off the pitch, with her mentality and character setting a great example to the entire group. We wish Tobin well for the future and look forward to seeing what comes next for her.”
Heath scored three goals in her 18 appearances, including a crucial stoppage time equaliser away at Manchester City in January.
A big goal from a big player.
Thank you, @TobinHeath 🤝 pic.twitter.com/NkwhwoxMrX
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) April 28, 2022
Big shame it didn’t work out better for our Arsenal-supporting Olympic gold medal and World Cup winning legend, though great to have had her at the club.
Lots of luck for the rest of her career and life!
Sadly her fitness was never there, but just having a legend such as her around the club was a bonus. I still smile when I see her equaliser at City – and her “assist” for Lotte’s goal against Wolfsburg!
Hi Tim,
Just a typo but you meant to put down January but you have put down July
A gamble that didn’t pay off, I suppose. Shame for us and Tobin.
Best of luck with the rehab.
Aside from that one goal, a disappointing gamble. Iwabuchi hasn’t been much better. Hopefully we’ll have a little better luck next time around.
I wonder why so many have given this comment a thumbs down. It’s obvious that neither Heath or Iwabuchi have worked out. Heath was never fit at ManU, so it was perhaps silly to think that would change as she got a year older. It’s a funny thing with these big clubs: They make these notable signings, we fans go “wow–what a help s/he should be”–an 6 months later we’re saying, “what happened?” It’s part of the game, I suppose.
She really is a great player. Real shame that we didn’t get to see her at her best through the course of the season. But will always support her since she is a true gooner! Best of luck to her!!
It was worth the risk of the 1 year deal. Sad it didn’t work out better she is ( was) just such an exciting player on the ball. I hope she gets back to fitness. I happen to live in Oregon so maybe she will get back to fitness with the Thorns.
An absolute legend, just honored to have seen her in the kit. Best wishes to her.
Really sad to see Tobin go early because of constant injury problems. I wish we could have got her a few seasons ago. A great impact sub if nothing more now…..and she’s a Gooner.
Good luck for the future Tobin and thank you 👍
It’s interesting seeing how different the female teams fanbase communicate compared to the mens fanbase. It seems there is way more accusatiins made and a lot of toxic commenting. Having started following the womans team and their news. Way more empathy and support. Mens team supporter are looking for a reason to criticise. This is an observation. Not here to troll or start an argument.