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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><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>Russo &amp; Kelly were both doubts after knocks</li><li>Pair had to withdraw from Lionesses duty this month</li><li>But recover for Arsenal's Champions League semi-final</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Alessia Russo is BACK! Arsenal striker wins race against time to start Lyon Champions League semi-final contest as fellow Lioness Chloe Kelly returns to squad

Women's Champions League

Lyon

Arsenal Women

<p>Russo and Kelly were both doubts for Saturday's Champions League semi-final first leg at home to Lyon, eight-time winners of this competition. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/chloe-kelly-pulls-out-england-squad-returns-arsenal-lionesses-star-misses-nations-league-clashes-against-belgium/blt7aa033a65e53d3ce" target="_blank">Kelly pulled out of the England squad</a> before the Lionesses' first game of the April international break due to a foot problem, while <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/injury-alessia-russo-withdraws-squad-england-sarina-wiegman-calls-up-michelle-agyemang/bltfab0df1d8e50bfe6" target="_blank">Russo had to withdraw between matches</a> after picking up an issue in <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/england-women-player-ratings-belgium-lucy-bronze-beth-mead-combo-lionesses-propel-sarina-wiegman-top-spot-nations-league-group/bltcda624f0c506f0df" target="_blank">the 5-0 victory over Belgium</a>.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>However, though both players couldn't be involved in <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-women-player-ratings-leicester-city-no-alessia-russo-chloe-kelly-no-problem-caitlin-foord-fires-five-star-gunners-easy-win-wsl-title-hopes-alive/bltbf944be478045d95" target="_blank">Arsenal's league win over Leicester on Tuesday night</a>, they have recovered in time for Saturday's huge game. Russo is fit enough to start, which is crucial given how important she is to the Gunners' play. Kelly, meanwhile, is able to make the bench.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>It's not all good news for Arsenal, though. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/alessia-russo-chloe-kelly-worrying-injury-doubts-arsenal-champions-league-semi-final-lyon-goalkeeper-daphne-van-domselaar-miss-six-weeks/bltbf4ac2d048ac2f37" target="_blank">The Gunners are without Daphne van Domselaar, their No.1 goalkeeper, due to an ankle problem that could well have ended her season</a>. Manuela Zinsberger, who has largely been first-choice since joining the club in 2019, will deputise in her absence.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>After Saturday's home leg against Lyon, Arsenal will travel to France to take on the eight-time European champions in the return game on April 27. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/chelsea-date-with-destiny-big-spending-blues-take-down-all-conquering-barcelona-womens-champions-league/bltc5ad548777e93a20" target="_blank">The winner of this semi-final will face either Chelsea or Barcelona, the reigning champions, in May's Champions League final</a>.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR RUSSO, KELLY & ARSENAL?

Alessia Russo is BACK! Arsenal striker wins race against time to start Lyon Champions League semi-final contest as fellow Lioness Chloe Kelly returns to squad | Goal.com

Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly have both won races against time to be fit for Arsenal&apos;s Champions League semi-final against Lyon, but only one starts.

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