Arsenal teammates lead heartfelt tribute to absent Aussie star Kyra Cooney-Cross after mother's diagnosis

Arsenal players paid tribute during their match against Manchester United to Kyra Cooney-Cross' mother, who was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer.

The absent Matildas star rushed home to Australia to be with her mother Jess during the trying time, and her club teammates wanted to let the 23-year-old know she was front of mind while playing in Emirates Stadium.

The squad, which contains her Matildas teammates Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord, wore "Cooney-Cross" jerseys throughout warm-ups and donned the No.32, with the 37,000-strong crowd also displaying a "We love you Kyra and Jess" placard tribute.

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"There's bigger things in life," Arsenal manager Renee Slegers said after the first Women's Super League match after the break.

"Of course, we miss Kyra here, but Kyra is where she needs to be right now, with the family, so our thoughts are with her, Jess, and the rest of the family."

Neither Arsenal nor Manchester United could find the back of the net, playing out a 0-0 draw and leaving the teams third and fifth on the WSL ladder, respectively.

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Manchester United manager Marc Skinner also offered his support to Cooney-Cross and her family.

"I just want to share a message for Kyra and her family," Skinner said.

"From everyone in Manchester United, we wish you all the very best, and the football family's with you, and I hope that you can find a happy space."

Cooney-Cross is expected to report to the Australian national camp in February in preparation for the Asian Cup in March.