Leah Williamson to miss Arsenal’s massive Champions League showdown with Chelsea | OneFootball

Arsenal’s hopes of a first-leg advantage in their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final have been dealt a significant blow with the news that Leah Williamson has been ruled out of Tuesday night’s clash against Chelsea.

The England captain was a notable absentee from the Gunners’ open training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre on Monday morning, following her absence from the matchday squad during Saturday’s 5-0 win over West Ham.

Speaking to the media ahead of the all-London European tie, Arsenal interim head coach Renee Slegers confirmed that the defender has not recovered in time to face the Blues at the Emirates Stadium.

Latest Leah Williamson injury update

The 28-year-old is currently sidelined with a hamstring issue.

While the club are hopeful that the setback isn’t a long-term one, the turnaround for the first leg has come too soon for the ball-playing centre-half.

“Leah Williamson is not going to make it,” Slegers told reporters during her pre-match press conference. “She’s progressing well, but it’s too early for this one.”

Williamson’s absence leaves a void in the heart of the Arsenal defence, especially given the high stakes of a knockout tie against Sonia Bompastor’s clinical Chelsea side.

The Gunners will likely look to Laia Codina to continue her partnership with Lotte Wubben-Moy in the centre of the park.

When will Leah Williamson return for Arsenal?

While tomorrow’s game comes too early, there is optimism regarding Williamson’s availability for the busy block of fixtures ahead.

Following the Tuesday night lights in N5, Arsenal face a North London derby against Tottenham on Saturday, before the return leg at Stamford Bridge next week.

Slegers remained cautious but positive when asked if the Lionesses skipper would be back before the April international break.

“I hope so. That’s the plan,” Slegers added. “It’s not a big issue. We just have to be smart and find the right moment when her body is fully ready.”

Arsenal team news vs Chelsea

Williamson isn’t the only concern for the Gunners.

While Frida Maanum could return to the squad after missing the weekend’s WSL action through illness, the Australian trio of Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Caitlin Foord face a race against time.

The ‘Matildas’ contingent only landed back in London on Monday morning following their Asia Cup campaign, meaning Slegers will have to make a late call on their involvement. Chloe Kelly, who scored a hat-trick against West Ham, will be looking to carry on her rich vein of form.

For Chelsea, the visitors arrive at the Emirates with a League Cup already in the trophy cabinet and a point to prove in Europe, setting the stage for what remains a mouth-watering encounter — even without Arsenal’s number six on the pitch.