Renée Slegers has delivered key fitness updates ahead of Arsenal Women’s Champions League clash with OH Leuven.
Renée Slegers has confirmed Taylor Hinds will return to the squad for Arsenal Women’s Champions League second leg against OH Leuven, while providing updates on Kyra Cooney-Cross and Anneke Borbe ahead of the Meadow Park clash.
Arsenal take a 4-0 lead into the home leg after dismantling Leuven in Belgium last week, with goals from Frida Maanum (2), Olivia Smith and Alessia Russo putting them firmly in control of the tie and on course for a quarter-final against Chelsea.
With progression within reach, attention has also been on squad availability. On Hinds, Slegers said: “Yes, so Taylor Hinds has progressed really well. She did a full session with us today and she’ll be in the squad tomorrow, available in some minutes. So that’s good stuff.”
There was less certainty around Cooney-Cross, who did not train on the eve of the game. “I think you must have seen as well that Kyra [Cooney-Cross] wasn’t on the pitch today.
“She was ill today, so we’ll see how she is tomorrow. Otherwise, no news. The players are progressing really well.
“The other one is Anneke [Borbe]. She’s done full sessions. So she will be available tomorrow.”
Arsenal remain without Beth Mead, who is out for this block of fixtures with a hairline fracture in her shin, but the overall picture is positive.
With a commanding aggregate lead and key players returning, Slegers’ side are strongly placed to manage the tie professionally and complete the job in front of their own supporters.