‘Speechless’ - Arsenal fans despair as Gunners star withdraws from international duty

The defender will not get the chance to stake her claim in Sarina Wiegman’s starting eleven in a friendly against Norway on Tuesday evening, having returned to London as a precautionary measure to receive treatement at her club.

With Jonas Eidevall’s preferred centre-back pairing of Leah Williamson and Rafaelle both out to injury, the news comes as a major worry for fans ahead of the Gunners’ massive Women’s Super League clash against title rivals Manchester United on Saturday.

Only three points separate the teams after Marc Skinner’s side lost their first game of the season against second-placed Chelsea before the international break, so Saturday’s encounter may prove decisive on the final day of what could turn out to be a tight WSL contest - and Arsenal will face the challenge with a significantly weakened squad.

Gunners captain Kim Little is set to be sidelined until the New Year, at least, while Jordan Nobbs was also denied a chance to make strides for England after the midfielder, on fine form at Borehamwood, pulled out of international duties with an injury last week.

Summer signing Lina Hurtig is also a doubt after the Swede was replaced ten minutes into her substitute appearance against Leicester City.

Arsenal are the only team in the WSL that have not lost a league game this season, but they’ll need to be at their best against Manchester United to sustain their dominance at the top of the table. As Eidevall turns the dilemma over in his mind, it is little wonder that Gunners fans are panicking:

@Illusionawfc: It’s an AWFC injury per day at this rate.

@RealShibozaki: BUBBLE WRAP HER.

@Isaacafcg: Us Arsenal fans can’t have anything nice.

@Jesshoskingx: What is going on with the Arsenal gals? We’re gonna have no players left for Man United at this point.

@Immunenigerian: Arsenal FC is finished. God I hate this so much.

@Swifthaim: Put these defenders in bubble wrap I beg.

@Ellieawfc: Heartbroken and SPEECHLESS.

@Vivsstenius: (chuckles) We’re in danger.

@Leahsrusso: When Arsenal sub fans in from the crowd on Saturday.

@afcalli: You’ve got to be joking.

@aWFCBREAD: I’m going to throw myself against a wall.

@SJWARE7: Rest and protect her at ALL costs!!!

@whereswalti: Screaming crying throwing up right now.

@Williams0n6: Do we even have enough to put a team out on Saturday at this point?

@kellychurch: @ Jonas I’m free Saturday, it’s ok.

@Amysverse2: OK, now I'm starting to worry.

@Vladasuperioty: Final straw the way the majority of the Arsenal squad are falling apart.

@Lanny_n_: Arsenal officially changes name to Injury FC.