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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Arsenal lost first leg of Champions League qualifier</li><li>Must beat Hacken on Thursday to reach group stage</li><li>But will have to do so without Williamson</li></ul><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n">Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</a> 🟢📱

Huge blow for Arsenal! Lionesses captain Leah Williamson ruled out of Gunners' must-win Champions League qualifier against Hacken

Tottenham Hotspur Women

Arsenal Women

<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-player-ratings-hacken-womens-champions-league-alessia-russo-katie-mccabe/blt291b06371ad3932b" target="_blank">The Gunners lost the first leg of their second round Champions League qualifying tie against Hacken last week, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat after hitting the woodwork twice</a>. It means they need to beat the Swedish side by at least two goals on Thursday if they are to reach the group stage.

WHAT HAPPENED?

While Arsenal do have the boost of hosting the second leg, they have also been dealt a blow by the absence of a key player in Williamson. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-leah-williamson-wsl-manchester-city-lionesses-alessia-russo/bltff7f6b0738b43322" target="_blank">The defender was placed in concussion protocol ahead of Sunday's huge Women's Super League clash with Manchester City</a> and will not come out of it in time to play her part in this big European fixture.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

That was confirmed by Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday. When asked if there was a timeframe on Williamson's status, he said: "It is guided by our medical team and when I have something more concrete to communicate, I will do that."Eidevall added: "One of the great things with the team that we have is that we have a lot of big game players. We have so many experiences and qualities. Leah is a fantastic player and will be missed by any team she doesn't play for but the strength of our squad... We have got Lotte [Wubben-Moy] and [Laia Codina] playing phenomenally well together [at centre-back]. I think that's a real strength of the squad and we have enough quality and enough experience."

WHAT EIDEVALL SAID

As well as Victoria Pelova, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-victoria-pelova-sugery-ruptured-acl-international-duty-netherlands/bltdf68cc72be61f718" target="_blank">who suffered an ACL injury in the summer</a>, Arsenal will also remain without full-back Steph Catley and forward Lina Hurtig for Thursday's fixture, despite the latter being more involved in training this week.

DID YOU KNOW?

Arsenal will hope to come through the second leg against Hacken without Williamson and then look forward to welcoming her back once she has successfully recovered from her concussion. The Gunners visit Leicester in the WSL on Sunday.

WHAT NEXT FOR WILLIAMSON AND ARSENAL?

Huge blow for Arsenal! Lionesses captain Leah Williamson ruled out of Gunners' must-win Champions League qualifier against Hacken | Goal.com UK

Lionesses captain Leah Williamson has been ruled out of Arsenal&apos;s must-win Champions League qualifier against Hacken on Thursday night.