On Tuesday, March 23, Chelsea women travel to the Emirates to play Arsenal in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Both sides face crucial tests of squad depth ahead of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final, with both sides dealing with significant team news in the build-up.
Chelsea Injury Update: Training Raises Alarm
In the Chelsea women’s training session on Monday, March 22, only eight players participated in the main group – numbers for fans and outsiders to be concerned about.
“When you are playing a lot of games and having quick turnarounds, a lot of players are doing individual programmes,” Chelsea women head coach Sonia Bompastor said on the low numbers during training. “So everything is under control and we will have enough players to play the game tomorrow. Don’t worry!”
Chelsea injury issues and squad management have played a role in their inconsistency this season, and their preparation for this game has been far from straightforward.
Despite that, they remain one of the most dangerous sides in the competition when at full strength.
Williamson To Miss London Derby
For Arsenal women, the headline concern surrounds captain Leah Williamson, who looks set to miss out through injury.
The England international has endured a stop-start season after returning from a long-term knee issue, and her absence would be a major setback for the Gunners at such a decisive stage.
Williamson missed a 5-0 win against West Ham, with Arsenal confirming she was unavailable due to a hamstring injury, and there is now confirmation about her fitness heading into this European tie.
“Leah Williamson is not going to make it,” Manager Renee Slegers said in her pre-match press conference. “She’s progressing well but it’s too early.”
Her leadership and composure at the back have been key for Arsenal, particularly in high-pressure matches, and without her, defensive organisation could be tested against a strong who know them well.
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A London Derby To Watch
The tactical battle between the two English sides is expected to be finely balanced. Both teams are familiar with each other from domestic competition, which adds another layer of intrigue to the tie.
Ultimately, this tie could come down to which side adapts better to their absences. Squad depth, rather than just starting quality, may prove decisive over the two legs.
With a place in the semi-finals at stake, both teams know the margins are fine. And while injuries have complicated preparations at Chelsea and Arsenal, they also present opportunities for others to step up on one of the biggest stages in European football.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Focus Images
Recording Date: 21.03.2026
