**Arsenal**are preparing for their first away day of the campaign: a trip to West Ham.
In her pre-match press conference, Renee Slegers showed her confidence in the "quality of the squad" as the Gunners try to turn every small margin their way in the race to win the Women's Super League this year.
‘We have a really good squad’
The club captain is still suffering from the consequences of an injury from the Euros in July. However, no one else in the squad is out of action as the **Arsenal**assault on the top spot in the table continues.
“Leah Williamson* is still not available. Otherwise, everyone is competing for selection.”*
The head coach communicated good news about the recovery of Williamson behind the scenes.
“She’s OK, she’s doing well. When you’re rehabilitating, you have to do what you can every day to get one step closer to the pitch. That’s what she’s doing. She’s positive, working hard. She’s doing well.”
Slegers will want her leader back in the mix as soon as possible, but she is not fretting about the back four. After a 4-1 victory over London City, the Gunners have indicated the strength of their squad.
“We have a really good squad. I'm really happy with the squad. There's competition in all positions. That's where we wanted to get. We are driving things forward. We are going to need everyone.”
The absence of Williamson might have meant more minutes for Lotte Wubben-Moy, who has dropped down the depth chart as Steph Catley has moved into the middle of the defence. However, a starting spot went to an 18-year-old who impressed the Dutchwoman despite conceding a penalty.
“Katie Reid* was the right player for us and she did that really well, but we have so much quality in the squad and also with the other centre-backs, so I'm just really happy with the quality of the squad.”*
‘We see so much potential’
Slegers then talked about Olivia Smith, who has hogged the headlines after her world record transfer.
*“I was already impressed before we signed her. She’s been having a rocket career coming from Canada, the US and Portugal and then one season in the WSL making such an impact for Liverpool.”*
The winger would score a sensational goal against London City to level the score at the Emirates Stadium last weekend. The noise has meant very little to a player who is embracing the big stage.
“She adds new things to our game with the player she is. We’re happy with what she’s bringing to us and she’s very young still, she just turned 21. What’s important is that we support her really well because she’s still very young. We see so much potential and she’s already contributing a lot.”
After lifting the Champions League trophy in May, the Gunners are going for glory in the Women's Super League, a title **Chelsea**have won in the last six campaigns. The arrival of Smith strengthens the wide options in the attack, and Slegers is sure that her group will put up a strong fight this season.
“ We’re looking at what we think we need in our team. What we want so many layers in our game that we can bring whatever is asked from us, whatever is needed; I think we’re really close to that now.”