Arsenal boss Renee Slegers has revealed that Beth Mead will be sidelined with a hairline fracture in her shin. The England forward started for the Gunners during their 1-0 win against Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City last Sunday but was taken off in the 68th minute.

Mead was not in the squad for Arsenal’s Champions League knockout round playoff win over Leuven on Wednesday, and, ahead of Sunday’s WSL clash against Brighton, Slegers provided an update. “Beth will be out for the block, she has a hairline fracture in her shin,” the Arsenal manager told a press conference. This is a significant blow for Arsenal, who have been relying heavily on Mead’s creativity and goalscoring threat this season.

Anneke Borbe Still on Assessment

Slegers also provided an update on goalkeeper Anneke Borbe, who is still being assessed ahead of the Brighton game. “Neke is still on assessment, so we have one more training to go. She’s progressing well, so we’ll see if she makes it, see how she responds today and how she goes tomorrow.”

Arsenal go into this weekend’s round of fixtures fourth in the table, and only two points separate them from second placed Manchester United, who host London City Lionesses. The Gunners need to maintain their recent good form if they are to secure automatic Champions League qualification for next season.

Mead Injury Latest Setback

The injury to Mead represents the latest setback for Arsenal’s star forward, who has battled injuries throughout her career. She was instrumental in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester City last weekend before being forced off in the second half, and her absence will be keenly felt as the Gunners chase down the top two in the WSL table while also defending their Champions League crown.

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Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.

Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.

400th Appearance Came in Belgium

Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.

This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.

Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals

Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.

Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.

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United States star Catarina Macario reportedly has an offer on the table from three time Champions League winners Barcelona, amid growing interest in her services from major clubs across Europe. Macario’s contract with Chelsea expires at the end of the season, and it has also been reported that she has turned down a new deal with the Blues, making her a figure of real interest as the summer transfer window approaches.

It was reported last week by Tom Garry of The Guardian that Macario had turned down an offer of a contract extension at Chelsea, where she has been since leaving Lyon back in 2023. This is a massive development given Macario’s world class potential when fully fit.

Chelsea’s Future in Serious Doubt

It felt like this season was set to be a big one for the 26 year old, with her telling GOAL ahead of the campaign that she was expecting to be free of the meticulous management of her minutes. However, things have not quite gone to plan. Niggling injuries have troubled Macario at times, with her yet to play in 2026 because of a heel issue.

It’s hard not to feel like Macario’s stint with the Blues is coming to a natural end, with her perhaps able to rediscover her best form in another system or environment. According to Kathryn Batte of The Telegraph, the versatile forward has an offer from Barcelona on the table, with Manchester City, Arsenal, and London City Lionesses among the other European clubs to have shown interest.

Spanish Publication Questions Barcelona Interest

However, Spanish publication Sport counters the claims that Barca have tabled an offer for Macario, citing the player’s high salary amid the Catalans’ financial restraints as one reason why a deal wouldn’t make much sense. The need to strengthen in defence rather than attack is another factor, with full back Ona Batlle set for a move to Arsenal when her contract expires this summer.

There is also the possibility that Macario returns to the United States and signs for a club in the NWSL.

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