Arsenal Women face tough test in Champions League round of 16 tie with Slavia Prague, says boss Joe Montemurro

Defender Louise Quinn and midfielder Katrine Veje could both return from injury for the north London club

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Arsenal Women boss Joe Montemurro has said he expects a tough test for his side when they come up against Slavia Prague in the Women’s Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday night.

Speaking about Arsenal’s opponents, who host the first leg, Montemurro said: “They’re a very, very good team. They’re doing very well in their league so far, so we’re expecting a difficult challenge.

“They play a 4-3-3, similar to us, and they play with two holding midfielders. Their wingers stay very wide, so I guess they’re quite an open team.

“They will defend quite deep, but we’ll try to transition and be very careful when we’ve got the ball.”

Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in the Women’s Super League has left Montemurro’s players eager to bounce back.

“[After] the disappointment of Sunday’s result, it is important to get the players up and ready to go, and it’s a great opportunity, because they have to chance to do that so quickly,” the 50-year-old said.

Defender Louise Quinn and midfielder Katrine Veje could both return from injury for the north London club, but Montemurro said their involvement in the first leg will depend on how the game develops.

“We’ll see how the game goes,” Montemurro said. ”We’re obviously very conscious of getting them on the park and back in the situation. But it’s got to be right for them and at the right moment.

“We need to make sure we come away with something at least, and then we can go to Meadow Park and finish the job [in the second leg]. You have to respect every team and make sure you go out there and play your game.”

PA