Arsenal begin their participation in the UEFA Women’s Champions League’s group stage on Tuesday night when they face European champions FC Barcelona at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.
The Gunners have had to win three games to reach the third round of the competition, a round which sees the implementation of the group format for the very first time in the women’s tournament.
FC Barcelona enter the competition at the group stage courtesy of their status as the champions of Europe. The Spaniards have won all of their first five league games this season under new head coach Jonatan Giraldez Costas, scoring 35 goals and conceding just once.
The Catalan club are expected to be without defender Andrea Pereira for their fixture against The Gunners with the player struggling with a knee injury while forward Jennifer Hermoso is rebuilding her fitness following her injury and is unlikely to play.
Arsenal travel to Spain without defender Simone Boye Sørensen and midfielder Malin Gut with the pair still sidelined through injury. Head coach Jonas Eidevall is not thought to have any fresh injury concerns to contend with following Saturday’s 4-0 Barclays FA Women’s Super League victory over Aston Villa. The Gunners are looking to make it 10 wins in 10 games under the guidance of their new head coach.
The UEFA Women’s Champions League group fixture between FC Barcelona and Arsenal kicks-off at 8pm on Tuesday evening.
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