‘She is pain free now’ Slegers relishing greater Olivia Smith involvement

Arsenal manager Renee Slegers says she is relishing seeing more of Olivia Smith during the upcoming block, suggesting the player had been ‘dealing with some issues’ around her fitness.

The Canadian hasn’t started for Arsenal since 19 September but has been a substitute in each of the last four games. Smith played 45 minutes in Canada’s first game against Denmark, getting on the score sheet.

She also scored in the second game of Canada’s double header against Denmark. Slegers says Smith has been managing some physical issues but is raring to go again. ‘Olivia is a player who has such a high ceiling, and she’s amazing.