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According to a report by Football London on Sunday, November 1, 2026, Arsenal defender Katie Reid has suffered another injury setback that is expected to delay her return to action after spending an extended period on the sidelines with a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The 20-year-old had been making encouraging progress in her rehabilitation, with hopes that she would soon return to full training and gradually work towards competitive action. However, a fresh ankle injury has disrupted her recovery and forced Arsenal to reconsider their expectations regarding her comeback.
Arsenal manager Renée Slegers has indicated that Reid is unlikely to return before Christmas, expressing disappointment over the latest setback ahead of the club’s fixture against Aston Villa.
Slegers explained that the young defender had already returned to full team training before sustaining the ankle injury, making the latest development particularly frustrating after her lengthy absence.
Reid must now wait longer before returning to competitive football, having already spent approximately a year recovering from her ACL injury.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have received more encouraging updates regarding several other injured players.
Kim Little has made a successful return to action in the Champions League, providing the Gunners with a welcome boost ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
Frida Maanum is also approaching a possible comeback, with Slegers suggesting that the midfielder could be available for Arsenal’s next match.
Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar is making steady progress in her recovery, although the manager believes the upcoming weekend’s fixture could come too soon for her.
However, Arsenal remain without Chloe Kelly, who is continuing to recover from a hamstring problem.
The England international recently attended a specialist appointment, but the club are yet to establish a definite return date for the winger.
Slegers explained that Kelly’s condition requires daily medical assessments to determine her progress and establish what activities she can safely undertake based on her symptoms.
Consequently, she will not be available for the upcoming weekend’s match.
Reid’s latest injury setback is particularly disappointing considering the progress she had made following her lengthy absence. Her return to full team training had represented an important milestone in her rehabilitation before the ankle problem interrupted her preparations.
Arsenal will now prioritise her recovery and conduct further medical assessments before determining when she can resume training.
The club will continue monitoring the fitness of its injured players as preparations for upcoming competitions gather momentum, with hopes that Reid can finally return after Christmas without experiencing further complications.