Arsenal could go one step closer to securing Champions League football next season as they face Everton on Wednesday night, with manager Jonas Eidevall issuing positive injury updates to key players after another woeful month of injuries left the Gunners' ranks severely depleted heading into the season's final three matches.
Eidevall confirmed Australian duo Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord are both in contention for Wednesday's rescheduled WSL fixture. A worrisome 16-minute cameo for Catley during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Leicester last month saw the left-back forced off after picking up what appeared to be either a groin or hamstring injury.
But Eidevall confirmed Catley could feature on Wednesday night, as could Matildas compatriot Foord who made her first return over the weekend since sustaining a hamstring injury against Manchester City at the start of April.
The forward came on for Brazilian youngster Gio Quieroz in Arsenal’s 4-0 victory over Brighton, with the latter also forced off through injury. Eidevall maintained that Quieroz is also available for selection on Wednesday in what arrives as another potentially big boost for Arsenal's European ambitions.
Eidevall ruled out a return for Lina Hurtig, stating the midweek match is “one game too soon” for the Swedish international, though a return on the weekend against Chelsea on Sunday could be on the cards.
The Gunners sit third in the WSL table level on points with Manchester City with a game in hand. Victory over Everton would see Arsenal go three points clear of City and move closer to securing another crack at Champions League glory next season.
When pressed on the prospect of mounting a title challenge to Manchester United, who are six points clear at the table's top, Eidevall reinforced the need to focus on the upcoming match, abstaining from declaring the Gunners' title hopes dashed.
“There are three games left, one game at a time," the Swede said. "That’s really important to keep the focus on that and not look too far ahead. For us, the only thing that is important is tomorrow against Everton.
“We’re going to do our best and if we do, we are going to give ourselves the best chance of finishing as high as possible.”
The Toffees come into Wednesday evening after suffering a 7-0 thrashing by defending champions Chelsea and are set to be without England internationals Gabby George and Jess Park.
Despite the devastating result, Eidevall said he was expecting an interesting tactical battle against Brian Sorensen's side and refrained from placing too much stock in Everton’s previous result.
“I tend to look at the way team’s play and you can see Everton have some really good qualities and some really good players," Eidevall said. "It’s going to be a tough challenge for us and we can’t be fooled by that result. We’ve prepared for the game and we need to continue to do that.”
Arsenal claimed a 1-0 victory over Everton in the reverse fixture, with Vivianne Miedema supplying the only goal of the match despite 33 shots at goal from the home side.
"When we look at that game, our pressing needs to be good against a team so skilful building out from the back but also how we manage the ball against them. There are two teams who want the ball and we need to find the right moments to put our foot on the ball and to sustain attacks and make them defend."
Arsenal kick-off to Everton at 6:15pm on Wednesday evening.
