Arsenal have received a boost ahead of their WSL clash with Aston Villa this weekend.
Beth Mead is now back in full training and took part in an behind-closed-doors inter-squad friendly on Wednesday, as she closes in on a full return to competitive action. The England star hasn't played competitively since rupturing her ACL last November during a defeat to Man Utd.
But Mead told Mirror Football last month that she was "chomping at the bit" to make a playing return and was "like a kid at Christmas" when first back on the training pitch with her teammates. Mead was in the matchday squad for Arsenal's two Champions League qualifying ties last month, the second of which they lost on penalties against Paris FC after a 3-3 draw.
But the forward remained an unused substitute in both games and was then absent for Arsenal's first two WSL games, a defeat at home to Liverpool and a draw with Man Utd. This means the Gunners face Villa at the Emirates Stadium still searching for a first league win of the new season.
The training match this week saw Mead playing with youth team players and hopes are now high that she may return to the pitch over the coming weeks. The Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner and Player of the Tournament also had to miss the World Cup in the summer, with the Lionesses still having two international meet-ups before the end of the year.
Mead last played for England nearly a year ago, in a 4-0 win over Japan in Spain. Her recent progress is positive and coming through the training match indicates a full comeback isn't too far away.
Although Mead's return will be welcome news for both Arsenal and England fans, it could present a selection headache for Jonas Eidevall for the rest of the season.
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In the 2-2 draw with United, the Arsenal boss plumped for both Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo in attack. And the pair both impressed, Blackstenius giving Arsenal the lead after a smart run and finish. Russo was unlucky not to score herself during a lively second half display that saw the England forward hit the crossbar.
This meant the likes of Caitlin Foord, Chloe Lacasse and Lina Hurtig were left on the bench. Lacasse who scored 22 goals for Benfica last season before joining the Gunners, then made a huge impact after being brought on.
The Canadian fired home a spectacular equaliser from distance in the dying minutes to salvage a much needed point. She started against Liverpool and will now be hopeful of a return to the team when they face Villa on Sunday at the Emirates.
Katie McCabe is another who could also play wide and high on the left, while Viv Miedema, like Mead, is also working her way back from an ACL injury.
Frida Maanum was also used as forward at times last season, although she appeared in a more traditional 'No.10 role' against Liverpool. Mead's return will be welcomed joyously by everyone at the club.
But it also will increase the intensity of competition in the forward department. If the England star can get herself back to her previous form over the coming few months, Eidevall will have some tough selection decisions to make as Arsenal navigate a huge season, aiming to win a first league title since 2019.
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