BREAKING: Two key Arsenal players set to miss club’s Women’s Champions League qualifier against Rangers.

Arsenal’s Women’s Champions League eliminator against Rangers will be missed by Beth Mead and Steph Catley.

Forward Mead, 29, was unable to participate in a portion of her team’s preseason tour of the United States due to a groin injury, while defender Catley, 30, sustained a minor muscle injury.

Arsenal’s inaugural competitive match of the season will be played at Meadow Park at 19:30 BST on Wednesday.

In the first qualifying round final on Saturday, the victorious team will be pitted against either Atletico Madrid or Rosenborg BK.

Arsenal did not advance from the Women’s Champions League qualifying stages last season; however, manager Jonas Eidevall asserted that they are more adequately equipped this time around.

“There are few teams that get the opportunity to play in the Champions League so of course it is an opportunity,” according to him.

“We are aware that the qualification stage is challenging.” Simply enquire about Manchester City’s perspective on the matter.

“We firmly believe that we are a European club; however, we are aware that this is not simple.” “It will be a significant obstacle; however, we are prepared for it.”

Eidevall maintained that Arsenal are “not underestimating” Rangers, who moved three points clear at the summit of the SWPL after thrashing Dundee United 10-0 on Sunday.

The Swede declared, “It is knockout football.” “It is imperative that we perform at our highest level from the very beginning of the game until the very end.”

“We are aware of the complexity of this phase.” We anticipate a formidable opponent and will exert ourselves to the fullest in order to advance.

Leah Williamson, the captain of England, expressed her optimism that they would be able to overcome their previous disappointment and make progress this time around, as she was unable to participate in the qualification stages last season due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

“I think last year was a hurtful situation,” according to her. “We were left to harbour remorse for the remainder of the year.” Losing is an experience that is universally recognised, and no one desires to experience it once more.

“I believe we are prepared, and everyone is aware of the significance.” Tomorrow, there will be no one who enters the pitch without the desire to achieve victory.

“It is evident that we have underperformed in the past.” A number of teams at the pinnacle of the game have attempted to steal trophies from each other.

“The outcome is not always in your favour.” I am under the impression that we have not travelled that far. I sense that we are becoming more in close proximity. I am thoroughly relishing our gameplay. [The level] does require an increase; however, I do not believe we are at an unreasonable distance.

Arsenal is the sole English club to have won the Women’s Champions League, having achieved victory in 2007. Williamson believes that a club of this calibre and investment should continue to advance.

Nevertheless, she acknowledged that the Gunners are not entitled to be present and are obligated to perform.

“If you go off paper you would expect us to be there, everyone expects us to be there, and we expect that of ourselves,” according to Williamson, 27.

“The Emirates Stadium serves as a venue for events that are beneficial to women’s football; however, the focus is on the individuals who deliver exceptional performances.” Last year, we were unsuccessful.