Tuesday’s match will therefore be a test of the depth of Arsenal’s squad. The Gunners have performed well over the past two weeks, despite the absence of their trio of Australian internationals, and they also won this weekend without conceding a goal, despite the absence of Williamson.
Stars such as Alessia Russo, who has 21 goals and assists this season, and Mariona Caldentey, last year’s Ballon d’Or runner-up, lead a team still brimming with talent as Arsenal look to defend their Champions League title. England international Lotte Wubben-Moy and Spaniard Laia Codina are expected to fill the central defender positions in Williamson’s absence. Wubben-Moy won two European Championship titles with England, while Codina was part of the Spanish team that beat the Lionesses in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final. Both have extensive experience of these major events.
The Gunners caused a surprise by winning the Champions League last season, after beating three-time winners of the competition Barcelona in the final. Previously, they had pulled off two incredible comebacks: first in the quarter-finals, beating Real Madrid after losing the first leg 2-0, then in the semi-finals, crushing eight-time competition winners Lyon 4-1. But Arsenal will certainly not be underestimated by anyone after this feat and will believe in their chances of retaining their title, given what they showed last season, although absences like Williamson’s will make tomorrow’s match all the more difficult.
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