Borehamwood, England, March 12th 2023: Leah Williamson (6 Arsenal) in action during the Womens Super League game between
Arsenal and Reading at Meadow Park in Borehamwood, England (Dylan Clinton/SPP)
Leah Williamson will miss out as Arsenal go into their Women’s FA Cup fourth-round clash with fellow Women’s Super League side Aston Villa due to injury.
Renee Slegers had said in her press conference on Friday that the Gunners’ co-captain had sustained a calf injury, but would give no further details, saying only: “We are very hopeful that it’s not a big one.”
It followed Williamson’s first WSL start of the season last weekend in the 0-0 draw against Manchester United – after which she said: “I hope I feel ten times better next week.”
Chloe Kelly still out
Fellow Lioness Chloe Kelly is also missing through injury, with Slegers saying: ” We don’t have an exact date [for her return], there’s an optimistic plan and a more conservative plan, so we’ll see how she goes, but she’s making really good steps.”
Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar is also still out through injury, so Anneke Borbe will continue.
Slegers had hinted earlier that she hoped that the Netherlands international might be fit to return this weekend, saying: “She’s progressing well,” and adding: “Of course as an athlete, as a footballer, you’re always stretching your limits physically, and a lot of players are managing things, and Daphne is obviously coming back now. Anneke has been having some things which she’s been fine to play with, definitely.”
Arsenal line-up to face Aston Villa in Women’s FA Cup
The full Arsenal side is as follows: Anneke Borbe, Emily Fox, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Steph Catley, Katie McCabe, Kim Little (c), Mariona Caldentey, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, Olivia Smith, Stina Blackstenius.
The substitutes are: Naomi Williams, Amy Liddiard, Laia Codina, Frida Maanum, Caitlin Foord, Victoria Pelova, Taylor Hinds, Smilla Holmberg, Sophie Harwood.
