Canada’s curling controversy memes have taken over the Olympics as in… — and more

One of the most viral moments of the Olympics came in an unexpected sport.

Renee Slegers says Taylor Hinds and Anneke Borbe are in line to feature against OH Leuven in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Both have trained ahead of the game following their respective injury problems.

“Yes, so Taylor Hinds has progressed really well,” Arsenal boss Slegers said. “She did a full session with us today and she’ll be in the squad tomorrow, available in some minutes. So that’s good stuff.

“The other one is Anneke [Borbe]. She’s done full sessions. So she will be available tomorrow.”

Kyra Cooney-Cross could miss the game through illness, however.

“I think you must have seen as well that Kyra [Cooney-Cross] wasn’t on the pitch today,” Slegers explained. “She was ill today, so we’ll see how she is tomorrow.

“Otherwise, no news. The players are progressing really well.”

The Gunners already lead 4-0 in the tie ahead of the second leg of their Champions League play-off but Slegers says she wants to maintain her side’s consistency.

“Of course we know the scenario and that is important for us to know going into the game and what we want to achieve and how we want to do it,” she said.

“But the most important thing is that we keep our standards really, really high, regardless of the competition or scenario. And that’s important in the moment if we do all those humble actions on the pitch, because we know that sets the standard for us and gives us a good opportunity to be successful. 

“But also, long term, if we do this consistently well and we focus on the details and we are humble about the details, consistently, then we think over time we develop as a team. So, that will be no different tomorrow, so everything we do tomorrow is going to be our goal, which is of a really nice standard.”

England Women’s head coach Sarina Wiegman has asserted that ongoing discussions regarding a potential extension to her contract will not serve as a distraction as the Lionesses commence their qualification campaign for the 2027 World Cup.

Wiegman, who has guided her team to consecutive European Championship victories, signed her current deal just over a year ago, which is set to conclude at the end of next year’s tournament.

While she indicated in December that “clear conversations” about a further extension had not yet taken place, the 56-year-old confirmed during her squad announcement for next month’s qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland that talks are progressing.

However, she emphasised that these discussions would not impede their immediate objective of securing a spot in Brazil next year.

“No update. It’s pretty far away. We are in conversations all the time, and we’re still very happy from both sides,” Wiegman stated.

“There is no distraction whatsoever. We want to really focus on this qualification. We want to qualify and the best possible way is to do that in June. We’re going for that and let’s first do that.”

The squad sees the welcome return of captain Leah Williamson, who missed friendly victories over China, Ghana, and Australia, as well as a defeat to Brazil late last year due to injury.

Other prominent players such as Chelsea forward Lauren James, Manchester City defender Alex Greenwood, and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton are also included.

Conversely, the team will be without key figures, Beth Mead and Ella Toone, both sidelined with injuries.

Wiegman acknowledged the impact of these absences, stating: “Of course you want them (Mead and Toone) in the team.

“You know you have seen in all of the camps we have had, players have lots of games, very high level, and there are always a couple of players who are injured who we can’t bring in. That’s part of our football life too.”

She added: “You just have to move on and hopefully the players get fit soon and we have more options. The more options the better it is for us and the harder to make the right decisions. It’s part of life now and hopefully for the players, they get fit quick.

“There is a little bit of a puzzle at the moment but at the same time I think we have enough players in the squad to play good games and to have players on the pitch who are fit and can perform at the highest level.”

In a notable addition, London City Lionesses’ Poppy Pattinson has received her first senior call-up.

Wiegman praised the left-back, noting: “I think she had some good performances, a left-back who is very proactive across the whole wing, takes a lot of initiative and in possession she really wants to play forward. I liked her performances. She was really excited by the call-up.”

The focus remains squarely on the upcoming qualification matches.