Williamson Ruled Out of Arsenal’s Champions League Clash with Chelsea

Leah Williamson is set to miss Arsenal Women’s UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Chelsea Women after being absent from training on Monday due to injury.

Arsenal were put through their final preparations ahead of Tuesday night’s all-English encounter at the Emirates Stadium, but several key players were not involved in the session.

Williamson, who also missed Arsenal’s Women’s Super League fixture against West Ham United Women on Saturday, continues to struggle with a hamstring issue and is not expected to feature in the crucial European tie.

The Gunners were also without their Australian contingent — Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross — who have only just returned from international duty at the Women’s Asian Cup. The trio were part of the Matildas squad that reached the final before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Japan in Sydney.

In addition, Olivia Smith was also absent from training, with further updates on her condition expected when head coach Renée Slegers addresses the media in her pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon.

Arsenal will be hoping to overcome these absences as they prepare to host Chelsea in what promises to be a highly competitive quarter-final first leg.