Kim Little reveals that Arsenal’s terrible luck with injuries this season has helped bring the team even closer

• Arsenal Women’s team unites amid multiple injuries
• Adversity fuels Champions League ambitions
• Younger players stepping up in the absence of key players

Arsenal Women’s team has faced numerous serious injuries this season, but these setbacks have only served to bring the players closer together and fuel their Champions League ambitions.

Team captain Kim Little suffered a season-ending knee injury during the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich, but she firmly believes that the adversity has only made the team stronger.

In addition to Little’s injury, key players such as Leah Williamson, Vivianne Miedema, Beth Mead, Steph Catley, and Caitlin Foord have also faced problems, with the first trio all suffering ruptured ACLs.

Reflecting on the team’s resilience, Little told The Guardian’s Suzie Wrack, “There’s been different things this year that have brought this team together.

“What Beth has been through with her mum [who died of cancer in January], Beth and Viv’s injuries, other injuries, Jen [Beattie]’s cancer battle previously, and then there’s lots of underlying things that not everyone sees.”

Despite these challenges, the Gunners displayed incredible determination by coming back from a goal down against Bayern Munich to secure a place in the semi-final against Wolfsburg.

They then did it again in Germany, coming from two down to draw 2-2 ahead of the semi-final second leg at the Emirates.

According to Little, the team’s unity has been bolstered by factors beyond football.

She adds, “There’s a lot of elements that are not football-based that can just give you a bit of perspective. That’s maybe been a part of [why] we always give our best, but maybe it’s put a little bit more fire in the side, I think that’s natural when things like that happen.”

Little maintains a “pragmatic and logical” mindset when it comes to injuries. She shares, “Sometimes I’m like: ‘Should I be crying? No, that’s not me.’ So, I don’t do it. I reframe it because that’s what allows me to cope with it.”

Her focus remains on contributing to the team’s success even from the sidelines. Little explains, “I want to be on the pitch and I want to be doing what I’m paid to do, that side of it I don’t like thinking about too much because it makes me quite sad. But on the other hand, it’s part of football and it gives me time now to get myself back to a really good place physically.”

With age, Little’s perspective on her role within the team has evolved. She now takes immense pride in seeing younger players excel and step up when needed. “I should enjoy the moments when we win trophies and games, and I do, but now that I’m a bit older I get way more pride in seeing the players that are younger than me doing well, performing and stepping up when they need to,” she says.

The Arsenal Women’s team has displayed an impressive level of adaptability and unity in the face of adversity.

The experiences they’ve shared have undoubtedly strengthened the bonds between the players and fueled their drive to succeed in the Champions League.

The second leg of their tie against Wolfsburg will take place on Monday, May 1 at The Emirates, kick-off 5.45pm.

Tickets will remain on sale until Sunday, April 30.