Renee Slegers says that England’s Euro-winning hero Chloe Kelly will be in the Arsenal squad for Wednesday’s FIFA Women’s Champions Cup semi-final against AS FAR.
In her pre-match press conference, the Arsenal head coach confirmed that Kelly was likely to play a role in the match as she returns to full fitness after injury, understood to be a knee tweak.
“Chloe will make her comeback in the squad tomorrow, so she is available for a couple of minutes to build her back,” Slegers said on Tuesday evening.
Adding that Frida Maanum was also available for selection after missing the weekend’s WSL win over Chelsea due to illness, Slegers had less positive news about England captain Leah Williamson, saying: “For Leah, this game comes too soon, but hopefully very soon, she’ll be back with us as well.”
She confirmed that Kyra Cooney-Cross would be with the squad following her absence over the winter break as she returned to Australia following her mother’s cancer diagnosis.
“She’s with us, she will be with us tomorrow, but we just have to be really smart with how we manage her and bring her back to full fitness,” explained Slegers.
Renee Slegers: Arsenal can make history
She described herself as “very proud” to be leading her team in the brand-new competition, and went on: “We are part of this competition because we won the Champions League last year, and it will be interesting and challenging to measure ourselves against top teams from other continents, so we’re looking forward to the game tomorrow.”
And she confirmed that the Gunners still hope to win every trophy they are still in contention for.
“Winning trophies is always going to be special for players, for me and my role as well.
“It’s the first time so we can make history here. That will be very special for us.”
