Zhipan Sport

Arsenal's Mariona Caldentey Out for Up to 10 Weeks with Hamstring Injury

Oct 15, 09:35 PM

Arsenal midfielder Mariona Caldentey is set to miss around two months of Women's Super League action after suffering a hamstring injury, dealing a significant blow to the club's season.

Arsenal have been dealt a major setback with the news that midfielder Mariona Caldentey is expected to be sidelined for up to 10 weeks due to a hamstring injury. The Spanish international will miss approximately two months of Women's Super League action, a period that could prove decisive in the club's pursuit of silverware this season. Caldentey sustained the injury during a recent match, and following assessments by the club's medical staff, it was confirmed that the hamstring problem requires an extended recovery period. While Arsenal have not disclosed the full details of the injury, reports in the British media suggest the midfielder faces between eight and ten weeks on the sidelines. Hamstring injuries are notoriously prone to recurrence, particularly for a player whose game relies heavily on movement and distribution, meaning the club is likely to take a cautious approach to her rehabilitation. Since arriving at Arsenal, Caldentey has become an indispensable part of the team's midfield. Technically gifted and with excellent vision, she serves as the link between defence and attack, capable of dictating tempo as well as contributing goals from advanced positions. Her ability to retain possession under pressure and unlock defences with incisive passing has been central to Arsenal's attacking play this season. Her absence will force the manager to reshuffle the midfield, potentially handing opportunities to younger players or requiring a shift in tactical approach. The timing of the injury could hardly be worse. Caldentey's expected absence covers a demanding run of fixtures in the Women's Super League, including several matches against direct rivals, as well as potential cup ties. Without her control in the middle of the park, Arsenal may struggle to transition smoothly from defence to attack, particularly against sides that press aggressively. The team's creative output could suffer without her ability to find pockets of space and deliver the final pass. This is not the first injury blow Arsenal have suffered this season. Several key players have already spent time on the treatment table, testing the squad's depth. Caldentey's absence compounds those concerns and raises questions about the club's ability to sustain a title challenge. In a league as competitive as the Women's Super League, losing a player of her calibre for an extended period is a significant handicap, and Arsenal may need to explore solutions in the transfer market or accelerate the development of internal options. For Caldentey personally, the injury could also affect her international commitments with Spain. As a key member of the national team, she would have been expected to feature in upcoming international windows. Instead, she will focus on rehabilitation with the aim of returning before the end of the season to aid Arsenal's final push. Arsenal have stated that their medical team will devise a personalised recovery programme for Caldentey, with regular assessments of her progress. The club is eager to see her return as soon as possible but will not rush her back prematurely. The coming weeks will test Arsenal's squad depth and the coaching staff's adaptability as they navigate a crucial stretch of the campaign without one of their most influential players.