“We Have to Solve This” said Slegers as Arsenal Injury Crisis Deepens
Arsenal will welcome back captain Kim Little and vice captain Leah Williamson for Saturday’s Women’s Super League clash with Liverpool, but head coach Renee Slegers confirmed two major absences that underline a growing injury problem at the club. Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar and winger Chloe Kelly will both miss the rest of the current block.
The timing matters. Arsenal are juggling domestic and European commitments and cannot afford disruption as they push through a congested run of fixtures. The return of leadership in midfield and defense offers stability, but the loss of depth in goal and wide areas presents fresh tactical headaches.
Van Domselaar’s situation is particularly concerning. The Dutch international has been managing a quad tendon issue since the summer, with the problem now serious enough to require medical intervention. Speaking at Friday’s press conference, Slegers made the situation clear.
“Daphne won’t be available against Liverpool. She’s been managing a quad tendon issue, and it needed an injection. She won’t be available for the rest of the block.”
Her injury adds to Arsenal’s growing goalkeeping crisis. First-choice keeper Manuela Zinsberger is already sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, leaving the club dangerously thin in a position that relies heavily on rhythm and trust.
Kelly’s absence cuts into Arsenal’s attacking options. The England winger picked up a ligament injury behind the knee while on international duty during England’s 2-0 win over Ghana. Her season has already been disrupted by limited minutes following Euro 2025, and this setback threatens to stall her momentum further.
Slegers confirmed the seriousness of Kelly’s issue.
“Chloe Kelly came back with an injury, a little ligament in the back of her knee, so she won’t be available tomorrow, and I don’t expect her to be available for the rest of the block.”
In contrast, there is genuine optimism around Williamson and Little. Williamson has not featured for club or country since undergoing surgery following a knee injury sustained at Euro 2025, while Little has been easing her way back sooner. Their presence in the squad, even in limited capacities, changes the complexion of the matchday group.
“Both Kim and Leah will be in the squad tomorrow, so that’s really positive news,” Slegers said. “They’re not fit enough to play 90 minutes. Leah has been away for much longer than Kim, so Kim is available for more minutes.”
The bigger concern sits below the surface. Arsenal have already watched young defender Katie Reid and striker Michelle Agyemang, who was on loan at Brighton, suffer ACL injuries this season. When multiple players go down with similar long-term knee issues, questions around workload and recovery management inevitably follow.
With only an unstable goalkeeping unit currently available, Arsenal have shifted their focus toward the January transfer window. This is no longer a luxury search; it is a necessity.
“Yes, definitely,” Slegers confirmed. “Manu is out, and Daphne has been managing issues, so we’re definitely looking. We think we need a really strong goalkeeper union with three goalkeepers available, and we’re not in that situation at the moment, so we’ll have to solve that for the second half of the season.”
The fixture list leaves no breathing room. Arsenal face Liverpool and Everton in the WSL and Twente and OH Leuven in the Women’s Champions League before a League Cup quarterfinal against Crystal Palace. Each match carries consequences.
With leaders returning and key pieces missing, Arsenal are walking a fine line. The next few weeks will not just define their season; they may force the club to rethink how it protects its most valuable assets.