Arsenal midfielder Mariona Caldentey is expected to miss about two months of Women's Super League action after suffering a hamstring injury. The Spain international was hurt during Arsenal's 4-2 defeat at Manchester City on 4 October. Since joining from Barcelona two years ago, Caldentey has been a key player for the Gunners and was the 2024-25 WSL Player of the Year.
Manager Renee Slegers said the injury is more serious than a typical hamstring problem. "It's a bigger hamstring injury," she said. "The estimation right now is between eight to 10 weeks. We'll see." Slegers added that re-scans show a positive healing process, though she hopes the absence will be shorter.
The timing is difficult for Arsenal, who return to action on Saturday when they host Birmingham City at 12:45 BST. The club has made a disappointing start, winning just one of its opening five WSL matches, which has raised questions about Slegers' position. The Gunners sit 10th in the table. They will also be without England forward Chloe Kelly and German summer signing Selina Cerci.
Cerci underwent knee surgery after her condition worsened. Slegers said the German had been struggling and that missing parts of pre-season made it harder for her to break into the team. Although Cerci has trained for most sessions, the knee problem required intervention after scans in Germany recommended a clean-up procedure.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing