Jonas Eidevall explains how Beth Mead's return after ACL could be complicated

20 October 2023 , 11:51

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Arsenal Women's Head Coach Jonas Eidevall chats to Beth Mead during the Arsenal Women's training session (Image: Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Jonas Eidevall says the October international break could complicate Beth Mead's return to full fitness following her ACL injury.

Mead, 28, made a triumphant comeback last week starring in Arsenal's 2-1 win over Aston Villa after 11 months out of action. Coming on in the 87th minute, Mead provided an assist for Alessia Russo's dramatic winner to give her side a first WSL win of the season.

The Arsenal forward is expected to continue her return against Bristol City this week, although she isn't ready to start games for the Gunners. Despite her return, Mead missed out on a place in the England squad this week for an upcoming Nations League double header with Belgium.

But Mead's partner, teammate and fellow ACL victim Viv Miedema has been called up to the Netherlands squad, even though she is yet to make a return at club level. Arsenal manager Eidevall explained why staying at the club's London Colney training base during the international break might slow the progress of Mead's return to full fitness.

"100 per cent it is Sarina's decision on who is in the England squad," he told the media. "I would never have an opinion on that. But I do think this has complicated things a little bit, from a return-to-play perspective. Obviously, Beth is now starting to train fully with us. Now she is playing minutes as well.

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"But the reality of us (Arsenal) is when it's an international break we might only have three outfield players left at the training ground. That is far from ideal for a player like Beth Mead.

"At the moment she lacks the experience of big pitch decisions. My hope would have been she could have gone and trained with England instead, even if she wasn't available for selection. But it's England's decision."

Beth Mead made a return to competitive football after 11 months out injured against Aston Villa

Miedema ruptured her ACL during a Champions League tie against Olympique Lyonnais last December, nearly a month after Mead suffered a similar injury. But her recovery has progressed well and Eidevall feels she is ready to be part of the national squad.

"I am happy (with the Netherlands decision to call up Miedema)," he added. "They know that Viv is really close to a return to play. Maybe she can make the squad on Sunday as well for Arsenal (against Bristol City).

"That would be a big thing for us as well. It still makes her a doubt to play competitive games for the Netherlands, but they understand that could be the case, we've had that dialogue. They are happy to provide her with an optimal training experience.

"It is a win-win for us both. Also for Arsenal because Viv could come back before the (Man) City game in a better condition than if she had stayed at home with three outfield players here."

Jack Lacey-Hatton