Wolfsburg’s Alexandra Popp is in a race against time to be fit for the Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal.

  • Alexandra Popp’s involvement in the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal is uncertain due to Achilles tendon problems.
  • The Wolfsburg captain has not been able to participate in training sessions ahead of the crucial match.
  • Time is running out for Popp to regain fitness, with just two days left before the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
NUREMBERG, GERMANY - APRIL 11: Alexandra Popp of Germany walks out onto the pitch prior to the Women's international friendly between Germany and Brazil at Max-Morlock-Stadion on April 11, 2023 in Nuremberg, Germany. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
NUREMBERG, GERMANY – APRIL 11: Alexandra Popp of Germany walks out onto the pitch prior to the Women’s international friendly between Germany and Brazil at Max-Morlock-Stadion on April 11, 2023 in Nuremberg, Germany. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final opponents, VfL Wolfsburg, face uncertainty over the availability of their captain, Alexandra Popp, for the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

Popp has been dealing with Achilles tendon problems and has not been able to participate in training sessions, raising concerns about her involvement in the crucial match.

Struggling to regain fitness

The experienced German international missed the first team training session for Wolfsburg in preparation for their trip to London.

Head coach Tommy Stroot had scheduled the session ahead of the clash on Monday (5.45pm ko), but Popp’s absence was notable.

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Her recovery progress will be closely monitored in the coming days as time runs out for her to prove her fitness.

Stroot cautious about Popp’s return

Wolfsburg’s coach addressed Popp’s situation before the first leg, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

He said, “There was a reaction in the build-up in the last few days, so we don’t want to and can’t take the risk. We’ll see how we can increase it again and whether there’s a realistic possibility for the second leg.”

Popp’s experience vital for Wolfsburg

With a sell-out crowd expected at the Emirates Stadium for the second leg which is delicately poised at 2-2, Popp’s vast experience would be invaluable for Wolfsburg’s women.

However, time is running out for the VfL leader, as she has only two days left to prove her fitness.

The team has a day off on Friday, followed by training sessions on Saturday and Sunday morning before their flight to London in the early afternoon.

Arsenal have their own injury problems

Of course, Arsenal go into the game with four key players ruled out for the rest of the season.

Vivianne Miedema, Beth Mead and Leah Williamson are all recovering from ACL injury’s while captain, Kim Little, will miss the remainder of the campaign with a hamstring problem.

Emirates sell out?

The Emirates has a capacity of 60,704 and, at the time of writing on Friday afternoon, Arsenal had sold approximately 58,000 tickets.

https://twitter.com/ArsenalWFC/status/1651877076780081153

This total smashes the attendance record set by Arsenal when they thrashed Tottenham at the Emirates earlier this season in front of 53,737 supporters.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: An LED board inside the stadium displays a message reading "record ticket sales" during the FA Women's Super League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: An LED board inside the stadium displays a message reading “record ticket sales” during the FA Women’s Super League match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Arsenal women’s future at the Emirates?

It is clear now that Arsenal’s women’s team have outgrown Boreham Wood and there are now talks about how to facilitate the women also calling the Emirates home.

Speaking in March, Jonas Eidevall said, “I think when we talk about growing the game, that’s absolutely fundamental for creating these moments with our supporters,” when asked about the decision to move more games to the stadium.

“I think it’s been absolutely fundamental, that without us being able to experience playing here so many times, but also to get supporters here to experience it so many times with us. It helps us to do this tonight.

“I really hope that it continues to push. I get the sense of belief that we’re seeing history getting created very quickly in front of our eyes, when I see how the attendances and the culture is here at the Emirates Stadium.

“Five years ago, if someone would have said that Arsenal’s long-term plan is to move permanently to Emirates Stadium, people would probably have asked ‘how is that going to happen?’, but now I think people understand that that might be a realistic vision for the future.”

Kelly Smith returns

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 14: Arsenal manager Pedro Martinez Losa (C), Alex Scott (L) and Kelly Smith (R) of Arsenal celebrate with the trophy following the SSE Women's FA Cup Final between Arsenal Ladies and Chelsea Ladies at Wembley Stadium on May 14, 2016 in London, England. Picture: Ben Hoskins/Getty Images
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 14: Arsenal manager Pedro Martinez Losa (C), Alex Scott (L) and Kelly Smith (R) of Arsenal celebrate with the trophy following the SSE Women’s FA Cup Final between Arsenal Ladies and Chelsea Ladies at Wembley Stadium on May 14, 2016 in London, England. Picture: Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

Former Arsenal striker Kelly Smith has joined the women’s first-team coaching staff until the end of the season.

She will provide invaluable experience and expertise during the crucial stages of the season, including the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final against Wolfsburg.

Smith has recently been working with the girls’ academy and completing her A License with the PFA.

Speaking to Arsenal.com, Smith said she is excited to be part of the team and contribute to its success on and off the pitch.

“After speaking with Jonas and Clare it was a really easy decision to join the coaching set-up here,” Smith said. “The club have been really supportive in helping me complete my A License and take the next step in my own post-playing career.

“It’s an exciting time to become part of this team – we’ve seen over the past few weeks just how resilient and together they are and I’m looking forward to working with them more closely on and off the pitch at this key point in the season.

“I love this club and it’s such a great feeling to be wearing the Arsenal badge once more.”

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