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Arsenal Coach Optimistic About Chloe Kelly’s Return for North London Derby
Head coach Renee Slegers of Arsenal expressed her optimism regarding the potential availability of Chloe Kelly for the upcoming north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur in the Women’s Super League. This match is set to take place on Sunday.
Kelly, an England international, has yet to make her debut for Arsenal since joining the club on loan from Manchester City on transfer deadline day. Her transition comes after not finding consistent opportunities at Joie Stadium.
The 27-year-old forward was unable to participate in matches against her parent club, both in the WSL and Women’s League Cup, due to eligibility issues. Additionally, she was cup-tied during Arsenal’s recent FA Cup victory over the London City Lionesses.
Before her loan, Kelly had not played in the WSL since December 15, when Manchester City faced a 2-1 defeat to Everton. “We hope she’s available for Sunday and we know what she can do for us,” Slegers stated, highlighting the importance of Kelly’s presence on the team. “I look forward to her first minutes for Arsenal and we will see when that is.”
In the context of international football, England head coach Sarina Wiegman has excluded Kelly from the Lionesses’ squad for their upcoming Women’s Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain later this month. The lack of playing time had raised concerns for Kelly regarding her selection for the Euro 2025, scheduled for next July.
Prior to her transfer to Arsenal, Kelly communicated her desire through social media to be in a position to “give it my best shot to represent my country” at the Euros. When asked about Kelly’s chances of returning to the national squad, Slegers remarked, “That’s something I can’t control. We want the best for Chloe. I have spoken to Chloe and she accepts the situations as they are; she is just really happy she is with us at the moment.”
According to Slegers, Kelly is eager to seize every opportunity, whether in a match setting or during training, to enhance her performance and regain her competitive rhythm.
If Kelly participates in the match against Tottenham at Emirates Stadium, it would mark her second debut for Arsenal, having originally come through the club’s academy system. “She comes from the club so we’re happy she is back,” Slegers added, emphasizing the dual benefits of Kelly’s attacking prowess and her dedication to defensive duties. “What she brings is her qualities as an attacking player, but also her willingness to defend and be aggressive and work hard.”
At present, Arsenal sits third in the WSL standings, trailing leaders Chelsea by 10 points, while Tottenham holds the sixth position.
Source
www.bbc.com