BETH MEAD has given Arsenal a huge boost with the forward back in full training for the first time since her return to fitness from a serious knee injury.
The forward, 28, was put through her paces earlier today with her team-mates before their Emirates duel with Aston Villa.
GettyBeth Mead did some training with her team-mates earlier this term and is now back in full sessions[/caption]
GettyThe WSL star, who helped Arsenal win the league in 2019, is nearing a return to action for Jonas Eidevall’s side[/caption]
The Gunners fans’ favourite took part in a behind-closed-doors training match with Arsenal’s women’s youth players on Wednesday.
Her last appearance for Jonas Eidevall’s team was last November during their 3-2 loss to Manchester United in the league at the Emirates.
Back then the Euros Golden Boot winner ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament.
The injury saw her sidelined for the rest of last season with the WSL star missing also this summer’s World Cup.
Mead’s return to full training comes at a time of mixed results for the Gunners so far this term.
Eidevall’s side, who finished third in the WSL season, have picked up one point from their first two top-flight games.
The league cup holders fell to a surprise 1-0 season-opening loss to Liverpool before going on to earn a point on the road against Manchester United last Friday.
The WSL giants also fell to a surprise loss to Paris FC in the Women’s Champions League.
The Gunners, who reached the contest semis this year, were knocked out of the tournament’s qualifiers after losing a penalty shootout.
During the season before her knee injury, Mead notched up 11 goals and eight assists in 20 WSL games.
And her stunning displays on the international stage help England win the Women’s Euros for the first time last summer.
The forward finished as the tournament’s top scorer bagging six goals.
This Sunday will see Mead’s side chase their first win of the season when they host Villa, who they have beaten four times in six WSL encounters.
GettyRachel Daly and her Aston Villa pals will take on Arsenal at the Emirates with both teams chasing their first wins this season[/caption]
So far the club have sold around 32,500 tickets for the fixture which kicks off at 2:00 pm at the Emirates on October 15.
The last meeting between the rivals ended in a 2-0 away loss for the Gunners on the final day of last season.
However this term Villa are yet to pick up a point after losing to Manchester United and Liverpool in their season-opening matches.