Heading into a set of key matches, Arsenal have obtained quite the list of injured players over the international break. With matches such as their Champions League semi-final against Olympique Lyonnais and several important Women’s Super League matches (such as that against Manchester United and other matches which they must win in order to have a chance of winning the league), having key players such as Alessia Russo and Daphne Van Domselaar on the injury list is a worry and could reduce their chances of obtaining silverware this season.
Alessia Russo - who has been a key part of Arsenal’s attack this season - had to withdraw from the Lionesses camp last week with an ankle injury that she sustained in their match against Belgium in the Nation’s League. It looked to be as a result of a late tackle on the striker, but it led to her being substituted from the pitch and later returning back to the Arsenal team for recovery. However, Arsenal’s future looked bright after Russo was recalled from camp as 19 year old Michelle Agyemang (who is signed for the Arsenal senior team, but is currently on loan at Brighton) was called up to replace her and then scored 41 seconds into her debut on her second touch. Despite this, Russo’s injury does create a problem for the Gunners, as they often rely on her strength and intuition when creating attacking plays.
Russo’s fellow Lionesses teammate, Chloe Kelly, was also recalled from England camp for this international break after it was confirmed that she had an ankle injury. Kelly participated in neither fixture against Belgium and instead returned to Arsenal for her rehabilitation. After excelling recently after her loan move to the Gunners, it’s essential for Kelly to return to the pitch as soon as possible in order to continue collecting playing time if she wants a chance to be up for selection for the England squad for this summer’s Euros in Switzerland.
Goalkeeper Daphne Van Domselaar also sustained an injury over this international break, after falling ‘awkwardly’ on her ankle after diving for a shot. She also returned to the Arsenal team after this injury and some sources say that she could be out until the end of the season, with a 5-6 week recovery time adding more worry for the Arsenal squad as her presence in front of the goal has been essential for the Gunners this season.
Katie McCabe’s calf injury is reportedly being managed in preparation for their Champions League semi-final against Olympique Lyonnais. McCabe remains an integral part of Arsenal’s defensive line-up and if she were to miss out on the upcoming match, her dominance and skill would certainly be missed.
Lotte Wubben-Moy remains out with an injury and looks to be missing a bigger chunk of the season than expected. After suffering a torn plantar fascia at the end of last season, Wubben-Moy looked to be making a strong comeback into Arsenal’s defence at the start of this season, but this injury has sidelined her since the end of February.
With an extending list of injuries, Arsenal could be in a tricky situation heading into this last set of matches both in the WSL and for the Champions League. It could, however, benefit players who do not get as much time on the pitch such as Laia Codina who faced injury at the start of the season, and Rosa Kafaji who only came on as a substitute in their most recent WSL match away against Crystal Palace. Despite this, a growing list of injuries is a worry for the Gunners and leaves them with a bit of uncertainty about their squad in the closing weeks of the 2025/26 season.
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