Arsenal Women face injury crisis as Mariona Caldentey sidelined

Arsenal Women are facing a significant injury crisis as midfielder Mariona Caldentey is expected to be sidelined for eight to 10 weeks due to a hamstring injury. The Spain international sustained the injury during a match against Manchester City on 4 October, which also forced her to withdraw from international duty.

Manager Renee Slegers confirmed the setback, noting that while the healing process looks positive, the injury is substantial. The squad's depth is being further tested as Kim Little is absent due to illness, and forwards Chloe Kelly and Selina Cerci are also unavailable. Frida Maanum is also missing from the matchday squad due to a muscle injury.

In response to these absences, Slegers has made four changes to the starting lineup for the upcoming fixture against Birmingham City. Misa Rodriguez, Smilla Holmberg, Stina Blackstenius, and Olivia Smith are among those returning to the lineup. Arsenal currently sits 10th in the Women’s Super League, having secured only one victory in their opening five league matches.