“What are you doing with this girl?”: Ian Wright questions Arsenal over defender Jenna Nighswonger | OneFootball

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Ian Wright has urged Arsenal to provide ‘clarity’ on defender Jenna Nighswonger.

Nighswonger has seen limited game involvement since her arrival from Gotham FC in January.

The United States international made five appearances last season but is yet to feature for the Gunners this term.

She was named in the club’s pre-season squad in Germany but is failing to make Women’s Super League squads.

Renee Slegers has chosen Katie McCabe as her primary left-back so far this season. Taylor Hinds, who joined the club from Liverpool over the summer, has played an understudy role.

Arsenal legend Wright has been left frustrated by Nighswonger’s absence from the squad.

What did Ian Wright say about Arsenal defender Jenna Nighswonger?

Ian Wright has called for ‘clarity’ on Jenna Nighswonger after her absence from Arsenal squads so far this season.

The 24-year-old appears to be heading for the exit after her limited game time since arriving in January.

Nighswonger, who has made 20 appearances for the USA national team, joined for $100,000 (£74,000).

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.”

What has Arsenal boss Renee Slegers said about Jenna Nighswongers?

Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers spoke of the importance of having a strong squad after being asked about Jenna Nighswongers’ place in her squad.

She said leaving Nighswongers out is something “I have to carry and that’s a burden for me”.

Slegers added: “It’s hard, it hurts but that’s part of it. I think we need the squad and it was a decision for us to have the squad because we think we need the depth.”

What’s next for Arsenal?

Arsenal Women are next in action on Saturday, when they host Aston Villa.

The Gunners lost their 100 per cent record, when they drew to Manchester United at the weekend.

However, they are still unbeaten in all competitions, and will hope that is something that continues when they host Villa.

With McCabe and Hinds ahead of Nighswongers in the Arsenal pecking order, it would be a surprise to see the American international make a start any time soon.