Arsenal Women: Jonas Eidevall confirms Beth Mead will travel with team for Champions League qualifier

Arsenal winger Beth Mead is nearing a much-anticipated return from a long-term knee injury; she has been sidelined since November 2022, and missed this summer’s World Cup as England made it to the final in Sydney; Eidevall hopes Mead’s return can inspire others to follow suit

Image: Beth Mead will travel with Arsenal's squad for Champions League qualifier – but isn't expected to play

Jonas Eidevall has confirmed Beth Mead will travel as part of Arsenal Women’s squad for Wednesday’s Champions League qualifier against Swedish side Linkoping.

Mead, who has been sidelined since November after rupturing her ACL, is the first of a group of Arsenal players to return from such injury.

Vivianne Miedema (December), Leah Williamson (April), Laura Wienroither (May) and Teyah Goldie (June) all suffered the same fate as Mead, and Eidevall hopes the winger’s return can serve as inspiration to those continuing to rehab ACL injuries.

“Beth is here and she can travel with us,” Eidevall confirmed. “She is the first of our long-term injuries to return. We hope that is a turning point for more players to come back as well.

Image: Jonas Eidevall says Mead is nearing full fitness

Stream the WSL on NOW for £26 for 12 monthsIn full: All the 2023/24 Women’s Super League fixturesGet Sky Sports | Download the Sky Sports App

“Mentally we hope this is a lift for the other injured players too, to see her coming back, because we know this will happen again this season.

Trending

Transfer Centre LIVE! Man Utd leave Van de Beek out of Champions League squad Man Utd share price on track for worst day ever Merson Says: Man Utd have to be braver | Rice offers more than Caicedo Henderson’s explanation for Saudi move fails to convince England losing regular wickets after Bairstow falls for 73 LIVE! Vilda sacked as Spain Women’s head coach US Open Day 9 LIVE! Djokovic leads Fritz after Gauff makes semi-finals Mic’d Up: PL match officials in-game audio to be shown on Sky Sports Al Ittihad to make fresh bid to sign Salah RFEF apologises for ‘enormous damage’ caused by president Rubiales

Video Latest News

He continued: “It’s so nice when you welcome a player back because you know how hard they have fought for so many months. That starts off the pitch and then on the pitch to be able to get into this shape.”

Twitter Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this. Open Privacy Options

When asked if Mead is likely to feature against Linkoping, Eidevall added: “No. She is not there yet, this comes a little too early for her. But she is not very far.”

The Women’s Super League makes its highly anticipated return live on Sky Sports on Sunday October 1, as Chelsea begin the defence of their title at home to Tottenham. Arsenal kick off their campaign at the Emirates Stadium against Liverpool.

Mead return timely boost as WSL nears

Image: Mead hasn't featured for Arsenal since November 2022

Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:

“It goes without say that getting Beth Mead back will serve as a huge boost for Arsenal on the eve of a new season. The timing couldn’t be better. The Gunners missed Mead’s spark last term, particularly in the latter stages of a campaign that tailed off quite dramatically.

“Arsenal’s injury woes derailed any hopes of further silverware last year. They pipped Chelsea to the Conti Cup in March, but spread themselves too thin across other competitions. Mead was one of a number of high profile injuries, including those named above – not forgetting captain Kim Little.

Image: Mead pictured with team-mates Steph Catley and Lia Walti after Arsenal beat Chelsea to the Conti Cup

“Had all of those stayed fit – and we’re speculating here, but still – there’s a very real chance Arsenal could have made the Champions League final, perhaps even won it. They certainly ran runners-up Wolfsburg close in the semis with a hopelessly threadbare squad.

“Mead’s return will also be music to the ears of new signing Alessia Russo, who’ll be the beneficiary of the winger’s abundant service from wide right. The two link brilliantly for England – and will now compete in the same domestic colours for the first time. That could be a real difference maker, as Eidevall looks to make good on his promise of competing for WSL honours until the bitter end for the first time since he took charge in 2021.”

Key dates for the 2023/24 season

Jill Scott gives her predictions on late transfers, teams to watch, and who she thinks will clinch the WSL title at the end of the season

Barclays Women’s Super League opening weekend: Sunday October 1Barclays Women’s Championship opening weekend: August 26 – August 27FA Women’s Continental League Cup final: March 30/31Barclays Women’s Championship final weekend: Sunday April 28Vitality Women’s FA Cup final: May 11/12Barclays Women’s Super League final weekend: Sunday May 18

Win £250,000 with Super 6!

Correctly predict six scorelines to win £250,000 for free with Super 6. Entries by 3pm Saturday.

Source