Renee Slegers on Olivia Smith’s “tough learning” experience as ban rules her out of Chelsea clash | OneFootball

Olivia Smith will sit out Arsenal’s must-win clash with Chelsea

Arsenal boss Renee Slegers says it is a “tough learning” experience for Olivia Smith after a red card ruled her out of this weekend’s must-win clash with Chelsea.

Smith was sent off after being shown two yellow cards during Arsenal’s League Cup defeat to Manchester United on Wednesday.

Her first yellow card for a tackle in which she appeared to win some of the ball was harsh, but she gave the referee no choice with her second, after a rash challenge on Julia Zigiotti Olme.

It means she will miss arguably Arsenal’s biggest game of the season to date, against Chelsea on Saturday.

Olivia Smith banned for Arsenal vs Chelsea

Arsenal boss Renee Slegers says it is a “tough learning” experience for Olivia Smith to miss tomorrow’s clash with Chelsea.

She said: “She’s the type of player who plays on the edge. That’s her super strength and it causes a lot of issues for opposition. I think she takes some knocks in games and that’s not always easy for her.

“It’s her style of play, so that’s what we spoke about. You need to accept the way you’re playing and take the knocks as well if that’s the way you play.

“I think of course it is hard for her because opposition goes really tough on her in all possible ways, not only physical. That got to her a little bit and that’s when she took the second yellow.

“It’s tough and she’s of course not available tomorrow because of that. So it’s a very tough learning for her.

“What we said is we need to learn and these days that you’re not available, you do everything you possibly can to support the team and to maximise your days when you compare with the squad to become a better player.”

Arsenal injury news

Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly and Kyra-Cooney Cross will also be unavailable for Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea.

However, Emily Fox is back after she missed the clash with Manchester United due to a head injury.

Arsenal need to take three points away at Chelsea if they are to keep their slim title chances alive.

The Gunners are four points behind Chelsea, who are a further six points behind Manchester City.

Erin Cuthbert is confident Chelsea will catch Man City, ahead of their clash with Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Arsenal did get one up on Chelsea going into Saturday’s massive clash.

Arsenal overtook Chelsea to top the Deloitte Women’s Football Money League rankings, after accruing more revenue than their WSL rivals.