Chelsea v Arsenal Vitality Women’s FA Cup – Hayes & Eidevall admit concerns for tomorrow
Chelsea v Arsenal Vitality Women’s FA Cup – Hayes & Eidevall admit concerns for tomorrow by Michelle
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal Women’s clash with Chelsea in the 5th round of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup on Sunday, boss Jonas Eidevall admitted that he will have to assess the injuries sustained on international duty by Sabrina D’Angelo and Lina Hurtig. Eidevall confirmed both need further assessment to see whether they will be match-fit for Arsenal’s cup clash against the Blues on Sunday. at Kingsmeadow.
Not all of Arsenal’s internationals have yet returned to London Colney as they have been travelling over 4 continents and FIFA allowed an extra matchday in this break. However Eidevall admits Chelsea will also be in the same situation as Arsenal on this front saying:
“Some players have not yet come back, it’s a one-day longer FIFA period. Usually you play your last game on the Tuesday but now they have extended it to Wednesday so it gives you one less day of preparation.
“We have had players on different continents and those FIFA rules allow them to have 24 hours longer to be back at their clubs. Of course it’s a challenge, but it’s the same for both clubs.”
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes had 15 Chelsea stars who were on international duty saying:
“They should be back by now, but it just shows you the challenges [of the international break]. They are all flying in from everywhere, and I see them as human beings. [After] long haul flights they are not going to be at their best immediately and then they have to perform two days later. You have to give them the maximum amount of time to recover.”
Chelsea v Arsenal, Kingsmeadow Stadium, Vitality Women’s FA Cup 5th round, kick-off 2PM, UK. Watch the match live on BBC2.
This battle should make for some great Sunday viewing!
Michelle Maxwell
Follow JustWomensFootball on Twitter, covering Women’s World Cup, Champions League, WSL and international league news
Visit JustWomensFootball.com if you want to ready more about Women’s Football from around the world!
