Arsenal boss Renee Slegers says squad selection decisions ‘hurt me as well’ amid criticism over Jenna Nighswonger | OneFootball

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Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers has addressed the absence of Jenna Nighswonger following questioning from Ian Wright over the absence of the defender.

The 24-year-old has seen limited game time since arriving at the club from Gotham FC in January.

She made five appearances last season but has yet to feature for the Gunners this campaign.

Arsenal legend Wright on a podcast asked ‘what are you doing with this girl?‘ in bemusement at the United States international’s lack of action.

Ahead of Arsenal vs Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League this weekend, Slegers was asked about Nighswonger.

What did Renee Slegers say about Jenna Nighswonger?

During her pre-match press conference, Renee Slegers said if there were any issues regarding recruitment, amid the absence of Jenna Nighswonger.

She said: “No, it’s of course very hard. Like I’ve been saying, we recruited Jenna and she’s part of us. She’s part of the team. That’s a burden I have to carry.

“When the whole squad is fit, we have so many options. I will only be able to start 11 players and I will only be able to change a maximum of five players.

“That’s the rules within the game that I have to work with, even though it hurts me as well. That’s the rules of the game and at the end of the day it’s my job, so I’ll have to carry that. I’m not saying that I don’t find that hard, but that’s part of it.”

Nighswonger has made 20 appearances for the USA national side. After making 16 appearances for the USA in 2024, she has only made two since joining Arsenal in January.

Ian Wright called for Nighswonger ‘clarity’

Wright expressed his bemusement at Nighswonger not featuring for the Arsenal team during a podcast this month.

Speaking on the Crossways podcast, Wright said: “I need some clarity on what’s going on with Arsenal and Jenna. [She had] a good preseason, I’m hearing from people. [She’s] more than capable of playing at this level — she’s not even in the matchday squads.

“If she’s not injured, why did they deny her a loan move? Why would they do that? So, Arsenal, answer that. What are you doing with this girl and her career?

“She’s 24, so we’re not talking about somebody who’s got the time to come over here with that upheaval. She’s not 19, where you think, OK, let’s give her a couple seasons. Jenna’s 24, ready to go and an international. So, Arsenal, sort that out.”