As the 25/26 season nears its climax, top WSL clubs are grappling with injuries that disrupt plans and weaken squads.
Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham have all lost key players, faced setbacks, and been forced to adjust line-ups.
Here’s a closer look at the impact on teams and players.
Arsenal’s Key Absences
Star striker Beth Mead will miss at least a month of WSL action after a calf injury sustained following a win over Chelsea. Manager Renee Slegers has not confirmed a return date.
While Reid’s absence mainly affects squad depth rather than immediate gameplay, her loss is still significant for team development.
Stina Blackstenius has also missed two weeks with a calf problem, limiting Arsenal’s attacking options near the box.
Mead’s absence is particularly damaging; as a top scorer and playmaker, she reduces tactical flexibility.
Her injury also affected the Lionesses’ first 2026 line-up, underscoring the challenge of maintaining forward strength.
Ongoing rumours of key player departures have added further pressure on the squad.
Aston Villa: Major Losses
Sabrina D’Angelo, the team’s key goalkeeper, is sidelined with a head injury and has no confirmed return date. Lucia Kendall is also out with a thigh injury.
The absence of both players weakens Villa’s defensive structure and cohesion, sending ripples through the squad.
Chelsea: Star Returns, But Problems Persist
Lucy Bronze returned last weekend after a short absence, but issues remain. Captain Millie Bright missed the 2-0 win against Liverpool, and Niamh Charles remains out with an ankle injury for at least a month.
Even brief absences require tactical adjustments and changes to the starting XI, highlighting the team’s reliance on key players for positioning and leadership on the pitch.
Manchester United: Momentum Threatened
Manchester United are in the top three behind rivals Manchester City, but injuries threaten their progress.
Creative midfielder Ella Toone will miss 5-7 weeks with a hip injury, while defender Anna Sandberg is ruled out until mid-March with calf and shin problems.
Tottenham: From Forwards to Defenders
Spurs are struggling with key absences, including Jessica Naz and Charlotte Grant.
Naz is expected to miss several months due to a knee injury, while Grant is nearing a return after her own knee recovery.
Naz’s long-term absence comes at a crucial point in a competitive season, potentially affecting Tottenham’s WSL title hopes.
The Bigger Picture
Injuries are inevitable in football, but at this stage of the season they can be particularly damaging.
Losing star players weakens tactical organisation, disrupts defensive stability, and reduces overall team dominance.
With the WSL title race tightening and Manchester City challenging Chelsea’s multi-year reign, these setbacks could prove decisive in determining the champion.
