Arsenal Women returned to form in the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Benfica, but the victory came at a cost as their injury list continues to grow.
Already without both backup goalkeepers Manuela Zinsberger (ankle) and Anneke Borbe (illness), and with Katie Reid sidelined by a tight groin, Renée Slegers saw two more defenders forced off late in the match.
Emily Fox left the pitch after a heavy challenge that left her clutching her ankle, while Steph Catley appeared to suffer a hamstring problem after attempting to play through discomfort before signalling to be replaced.
The injuries took some of the shine off what was otherwise a professional performance in Lisbon. Goals from Beth Mead and Alessia Russo secured a vital win to get Arsenal’s European campaign back on track after last week’s defeat to OL Lyonnes.
“It was tough,” Mead told ESPN. “Benfica are a very physical team, they like to get under your skin.”
Arsenal dominated possession but struggled to break down the hosts until the second half, when Mead reacted quickest to a loose ball from Mariona Caldentey’s cross to force it over the line in the 57th minute. The win was sealed late on when Russo turned in a delightful low Chloe Kelly free kick for her third goal in four games.
After the match, head coach Renée Slegers praised her side’s patience and resilience. “A good atmosphere, great stadium, great pitch,” she said. “It was a nice Champions League night.
“The first half, I think we spent a lot of time in their half. We didn’t really move the ball quick enough to create big chances with the possession we had, but I think we did well out of possession and nullified their threat. We had to stay patient, work on the details.
“I’m so happy with the early goal in the second half, and then the energy of the game changers coming in, bringing new energy, bringing new qualities. And then the second goal was really nice for us, of course. Coming from a set-piece, that was really good,” Slegers added.
“Sometimes when those passes are given, we want to use them, so really well done by the set-piece coach and players to recognise that.”
Despite the result, Arsenal’s growing injury problems will be a concern ahead of the next stage of the season. With the international break approaching, Slegers confirmed the next two weeks will be used to regroup and reassess.
“Yeah, it’s always a big reflection moment for us as a staff,” she said. “Especially the first week, we will review both pre-season and the first block of games. And then the second week, we will preview the next block that’s coming up.
“So it’s always a good moment for us. There’s plenty of learnings and plenty of energy is built to start the next block again.”
Reid is expected to be fit enough to travel with England during the break but we await news on the others.