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Renee Slegers has named a strong Arsenal side to face Corinthians in the final of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
But co-captain Leah Williamson is not in the line-up.
Instead, she is on the bench – as she was in the semi-final against AS FAR on Wednesday.
Slegers had hinted on Friday that the final – which kicks off at 6pm on Sunday – might be a little too early for the England captain.
“Leah Williamson is progressing really well and we’re working towards this game, but there’s still a couple of steps to take and there’s a training session tomorrow [Saturday],” she had said.
Instead, Steph Catley returns to partner Lotte Wubben-Moy in defence, replacing Laia Codina, who played the semi-final against AS FAR.
Emily Fox and Katie McCabe also start, replacing Smilla Holmberg and Taylor Hinds.
Kim Little dons the armband, coming back into midfield, and Alessia Russo starts too, with Victoria Pelova and Frida Maanum both dropping to the bench.
Chloe Kelly, another player returning from injury, is also on the bench, having got some minutes in midweek.
The final – like the third-place play-off earlier on Sunday – is being held at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners’ home ground, which has attracted some criticism from opponents and opposing fans.
Arsenal: starting line-up for FIFA Women’s Champions Cup final
Full Arsenal team: Anneke Borbe, Emily Fox, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Steph Catley, Kim Little (c), Mariona Caldentey, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, Olivia Smith, Stina Blackstenius.
Subs: Daphne van Domselaar, Naomi Williams, Amy Liddiard, Laia Codina, Leah Williamson, Frida Maanum, Chloe Kelly, Caitlin Foord, Victoria Pelova, Smilla Holmberg, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Sophie Harwood.
Corinthians: starting line-up
Corinthians: Leticia, Gi Fernandes, Thais Ferreira, Leticia Teles, Tamires, Ana Vitoria, Jaqueline, Andressa Alves, Duda Mineira, Belen Aquino, Gabi Zanotti.
