Arsenal receive major boost ahead of crucial Champions League clash with Lyon
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal Women have been handed a major boost ahead of their UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Lyon, with star winger Chloe Kelly returning to full fitness just in time for the decisive encounter.
Trailing 2-1 after the first leg, the Gunners head to France looking to overturn the deficit and reach the final for the first time since 2007. Their hopes have been significantly lifted by the return of Kelly, who had been sidelined with an ankle injury but is now fit and expected to start against the reigning European champions.
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Kelly’s comeback could be a game-changer for Arsenal. Despite creating several chances in the first leg, the Gunners were unable to make their dominance count, falling narrowly to Lyon. The expected goals (xG) statistics suggested Arsenal were unfortunate not to score more — a gap Kelly’s creativity and attacking flair could help bridge.
Chloe Kelly (Image credit: Getty Images)Since joining Arsenal on loan during the winter transfer window, Kelly has been a standout performer, ranking just behind Katie McCabe for chances created in the Women’s Super League and leading the squad in successful dribbles. Her ability to deliver dangerous balls from open play and set-pieces adds a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack at a critical moment in their season.
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Head coach Renee Slegers has praised Kelly’s impact both on and off the pitch, emphasising her importance to the team’s attacking strategy. “I think we played to her strengths really well,” Slegers said following Kelly’s impressive showing against Real Madrid earlier this season. “There was quite a lot of space, and Chloe made the most of it. We’ve set up situations where she can do what she does best.”
However, Arsenal face a formidable opponent in Lyon. The French giants, powered by stars like Melchie Dumornay, Kadidiatou Diani, and Ada Hegerberg, have been in ruthless form throughout the campaign. Shutting down their potent attack will be crucial if Arsenal are to mount a successful comeback.
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