Arsenal head coach Joe Montemurro says that he is looking forward to getting back into a rhythm of games beginning with this weekend’s trip to struggling Aston Villa.
A disjointed period, caused by postponements and the international window, has resulted in The Gunners playing just three games in 2021 so far while they haven’t won since beating Everton 4-0 at Meadow Park before Christmas.
Arsenal have attempted to contest their Barclays FA Women’s Super League fixture at Aston Villa on three separate occasions but have been beaten by COVID-19, rain and frost. The Gunners will attempt to travel to The Banks’s Stadium in Walsall for a fourth time this weekend and with the weather forecast being much more favourable, the game is likely to finally be played.
When speaking to FAWSL Full-Time in this afternoon’s pre-match press conference, Montemurro admitted that it will be good to get back into the rhythm of regular games in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League.
“Obviously, there has been a gap between games, players coming back at all different levels and it is an important game for us” said Montemurro. “It is important that we get into some sort of rhythm, it has been very, very difficult with the differing rhythm and frequency of games.
“They (Villa) have some very talented players and a new coach and they are battling for survival so they need to get every point that they can get.
“We know that it is going to be a tricky game.”
Attacking midfielder Kim Little has been sidelined with a calf injury in recent weeks and while she has returned to training, Montemurro says that the Scotland international is doubtful for this weekend’s match.
“We are monitoring Kim day-by-by” said the Arsenal boss. “We think that Birmingham is when we are more likely to see her reintroduction to games.”
Arsenal’s Barclays FA Women’s Super League fixture against Aston Villa is scheduled to kick-off at 2pm on Sunday afternoon and will be available for fans to stream live on the FA Player.
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