Renee Slegers has announced a major injury setback for Arsenal ahead of their match against Brighton, as Beth Mead is set for an extended period on the sidelines.
Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images
Renee Slegers has revealed that Beth Mead has sustained a hairline fracture in her shin, sidelining the winger for Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures.
Mead was taken off in the 68th minute during last Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Women’s Super League leaders Man City and was later observed wearing a protective boot.
Initially, Slegers stated, “I think we will have more information later in the week. She has just played, and we’re conducting medical assessments, but we’ll communicate more once we know further details.”
After traveling to Belgium for midweek games, Slegers confirmed that Mead did not travel with the squad for the first leg of the Champions League playoff against OH Leuven. “Beth needs some time to rest her shin,” she explained at that time.
Now, as Arsenal prepares for their league match against Brighton this weekend, the full extent of the injury has been clarified.
“Beth will be out for this block of matches,” Slegers commented. “She has a hairline fracture in her shin, so she will be unavailable for these matches.”
The prognosis suggests a potential return after the next international break in mid-March. This season, Mead has contributed one goal and five assists in 14 WSL games, along with another three goals and three assists in six Champions League fixtures.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Slegers also provided an update on Anneke Borbe, who remains under concussion protocol following her collision in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
“Neke is still being assessed, so we have one more training session to go,” Slegers noted. “She’s making good progress, so we’ll determine her status based on how she responds today and her performance in tomorrow’s training.”
Furthermore, Arsenal will also be missing Taylor Hinds, who has sustained a foot injury, while Manuela Zinsberger, Katie Reid, and Michelle Agyemang continue their recoveries from ACL injuries.