Arsenal defender Leah Williamson is to return to motion for the primary time because the Euro 2025 ultimate following a four-month absence by way of damage.
The England captain is anticipated to play for “a few minutes” in Arsenal’s Girls’s Champions League recreation towards FC Twente on Tuesday night, supervisor Renee Slegers mentioned.
Williamson was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Saturday.
The 28-year-old has been absent since Euro 2025 – when she led the Lionesses to back-to-back titles – because of a knee damage which required a small, clean-up operation.
“She’s been coaching with the group and was within the squad towards Liverpool simply to get again into her routine and it was good to have her round,” mentioned Slegers.
“She is doing properly and did the complete session once more as we speak. She is obtainable for a few minutes tomorrow (Tuesday, 20:00 GMT). She will not begin however she shall be within the squad.”
Throughout her absence Arsenal have struggled to search out the shape which guided them to the Girls’s Champions League title underneath Slegers final season.
They at present sit eight factors off Girls’s Tremendous League leaders Manchester Metropolis and are tenth within the league part desk of the European competitors with two wins from 4 matches.
“In fact it was unlucky for her to maintain that damage within the Euros and she or he needed to work onerous to return again from it,” added Slegers.
“She is in a extremely good place and has been spending plenty of time on the pitch. Possibly the timing of the worldwide break prolonged that as there was no alternative to coach in huge teams with 11 v 11 and in chaotic moments.
“However she could be very prepared and we shall be very blissful to have her again. The gamers who’ve been taking part in have been doing rather well.”
Arsenal captain Kim Little has additionally recovered from a calf damage, coming off the bench within the 69th minute towards Liverpool.
Slegers didn’t rule out a begin for Little towards FC Twente however mentioned the membership must be “actually sensible” in managing her return to full health.
The return of skilled gamers may present a lift to Slegers’ aspect, who’ve work to do to qualify for the knockout phases of the Champions League.
Requested if confidence was low within the squad, Slegers mentioned: “I feel that is a phrase we do not actually speak about. We imagine together with your actions, you may create momentum.
“In fact, whenever you take a look at the second half of final season how simple issues had been for us and that we had been in a circulation state, scoring plenty of objectives, then if that is totally different or tougher, then in fact you need to work even tougher from a psychological side to ensure everybody feels good and believes in what we’re doing. I feel that is been wonderful from the squad.”
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