Arsenal Women midfielder Mariona Caldentey is set to miss eight to ten weeks of action with a hamstring injury. The Spain international was forced off just before half-time in the 4-2 Women's Super League defeat to Manchester City earlier this month.

Head coach Renee Slegers confirmed the timescale on Thursday. "Mariona went off against Manchester City and didn't go away with Spain," Slegers said. "It's a hamstring injury so she will be out for a while." She added, "It's a bigger hamstring injury. The estimation right now is between eight to 10 weeks. We'll see."

Impact on squad depth

Caldentey's absence compounds a significant injury crisis for a team that has won just one of its first five league games. Arsenal currently sit 10th in the standings with five points from those five matches. The team's recent form has seen them concede 11 goals while scoring only 6, a key factor in their lowly position. The 2024-25 Player of the Year joins summer signing Selina Cerci and forward Chloe Kelly on the injuries list.

Cerci, the German forward, has undergone knee surgery after the issue worsened. "She had been struggling and it got worse so we have to intervene unfortunately so she's out as well for a while," Slegers explained. Kelly remains unavailable for the upcoming fixture against Birmingham City. The manager noted that the team's goal difference of minus five reflects the defensive struggles they have faced during this period.

Positive updates elsewhere

There was a minor positive note as Slegers reported that Olivia Smith is now pain-free. The Canadian international scored twice during the recent break after dealing with some physical issues. Her return to full fitness is a welcome boost for the squad as they look to address their attacking output.

The injuries arrive at a difficult moment. Arsenal's next match is at home to Birmingham City on Saturday, 17 October, as seen on the fixtures page. Birmingham are 13th in the standings, making it a key opportunity for Arsenal to improve their position and add to their single victory this season.

Despite the setbacks, Slegers struck a determined note. "I love Arsenal, I love this team," she said. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else and even though it's been difficult I see light at the end of the tunnel." The team will regroup for the Birmingham City fixture this weekend, aiming to secure a result that can begin to turn their campaign around.

First reported at bbc.com