Arsenal return to UEFA Women’s Champions League action on Wednesday following a one-season absence when they face Kazakhstani club FC Okhetpes in their Round 1 semi-final tie at the Sapsan Arena in Moscow.
The Gunners will hope to spend four days in Russia with Jonas Eidevall’s side set to take on either PSV Eindhoven or Lokomotiv Moscow for a place in Round 2 of the competition on Saturday should they safely negotiate their way beyond FC Okhetpes.
The official Arsenal squad list which has been registered with UEFA includes defender Viktoria Schnaderbeck and midfielder Jordan Nobbs. With both of those players coming back from injury, it seems unlikely that they will play in the first game against FC Okhetpes. Malin Gut is not in the squad due to her injury but there are places for youngsters Hermoine Cull and Teyah Goldie. Arsenal’s Olympians have travelled and are available for selection other than defender Leah Williamson.
In total, 19 members of FC Okhetpes’ 23-player squad are of Kazakhstani nationality. Their squad includes six-goal Kazakstani international forward Begaim Kirgizbaeva. The club’s meeting with Arsenal will be their first game in three weeks since they defeated FC Kyzylorda 12-0 in the Kazakstani Women’s Championship. Aitpay Jamantay’s side have enjoyed a six-match winning streak in league competition.
Arsenal’s UEFA Women’s Champions League Round 1 semi-final tie against FC Okhetpes kicks-off at 11am on Wednesday morning.
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