The Women's Asian Cup is just weeks away, with the WSL likely to lose some of its greatest stars to the international tournament. There is no worse time for the club as we head into the final stages of the WSL, the League Cup final, Champions League knockout fixtures, and the FA Cup, all at their peak intensity. This absence could make or break some clubs' seasons in a matter of weeks.
Chelsea loses Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter. The main concern is to ensure Kerr's minutes are managed, as she is still returning to full fitness after 20 months out with her ACL injury. Chelsea fans will hope Australia manages her minutes and doesn't rely on her too heavily in this competition. She is the Maitilda captain and one of the most lethal finishers. Her goals, movement, and leadership lift Chelsea’s entire attack. Chelsea will hope that Aggie Beever-Jones is back from injury, as they might have to start without a striker in their squad, including in the League Cup final against Manchester United. Chelsea will need to find goals from other attackers, such as Lauren James or Alyssa Thompson.
One of the Blues' summer signings, Ellie Carptener, will be off with the Tillies. She has been outstanding for theBlues,s a crucial player whose strength and speed have benefited the club. They will hope Lucy Bronze has recovered from shin discomfort in time to come in and defend Chelsea's charge for Champions League qualification. Without Carptender, Chelsea must rely on backups who offer less forward impact and defensive experience, especially in matches where wing play and quick transitions decide results.
When Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea manager,r was asked about losing these two players to tthesecompetition,s she said: “ I'm really sad for sure. I know how important it is for them to play for the national team, and I was a national team player myself, but losing 2 key players like this is a big loss. It's, yeah, okay.”
If Chelsea have any collisions, it's now that other clubs will have significant gaps, missing Manchester City, who have dropped points for the first time since their loss against Chelsea in the opening match, as their 13-game unbeaten streak in the WSL ends. Their cushion at the top will shorten, and they will also lose players.
Mary Fowler has just returned to football following her ACL injury and is another attacking threat, which was needed against Arsenal. It is not confirmed that she will be expected to join the Matilidas for the competition, or whether it will come too early in her return plan. When fully fit, her absence shows in the lack of creative chances in City's attack, but they are well-equipped to cope with it.
The Manchester side will be without Yui Hasegawa, a midfieldcontrolo hub whose passing range and tempo management are central to City’s game. She’s been indispensable when available. She will be crucial to Japan and its hopes for World Cup and Olympic qualification. Japan, along with Australia, is a big favourite to win this competition. Losing Hasegawa’s anchor disrupts the City’s midfield balance, making games scrappier and less controlled. Without her, City often have to resort to less experienced midfield rotations, making it harder to grind out results when opponents sit deep.
Another Japanese international that the top-of-the-table side will miss is Ayaka Yamashita in goal. She has incredible experience and, on most occasions, has kept the opposition at bay. Without her, they rely on Khiara Keating,
a young and inexperienced keeper who has not always played well under pressure.
Yamashita is a regular for her country, with over 80 caps, and their first-choice goalkeeper. She is a keeper who is comfortable with the ball at her feet, which helps City's possession style, especially against high presses or transition attacks. Switching keepers mid‑season can unsettle defensive organisation. Back‑line communication and timing with centre‑backs will need adjustment.
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Arsenal they lose the most from it among the top four clubs, losing three players. Steph Catley has been a crucial figure in defence as both a player and a leader in the absence of Leah Williamson for most of the season, bringing experience, defensive organisation, and leadership. Catley also contributes to building up play and structure at the back, which is vital for Arsenal’s consistency. Without her direction in defence, Arsenal may concede easier chances late in games, especially when pressing for results in the title race.
Arsenal they miss a player in all areas of the pitch: defence, midfield, and forward. Caitlin Foord will join her Arsenal teammates on this list as Australia hosts the competition. She is an explosive wide attacker whose ability to beat defenders creates goals and stretches play—key for Arsenal’s front‑line adaptability and dynamism. Without Foord, Arsenal rely more on other forwards for creativity, but those alternatives are less pacey/direct, potentially lowering their threat in tight or stale matches.
Kyra Cooney-Cross has not yet taken part in the squad this year due to ongoing family issues, which means a return to Oz for this competition comes at a perfect time for her personally. A consistent linking midfielder for Arsenal with ball retention and tempo control. Losing her diminishes Arsenal’s midfield rotation options, increases the workload on the remaining midfield core, and contributes to fatigue or tactical inflexibility later in matches.
Manchester United has only one player and is likely to benefit most from the Asian Cup, while other teams are losing players. Especially Chelsea, whom they face in the League cup final on the 15th March. They dole out Hinata Miyazawa a creative engine in midfield, and without Ella Toone, this could be pivotal, as she often produces key passes and goal involvement.
The title race in the Women’s Super League is set to tighten as Manchester City’s leadership at the top could be threatened if they fail to maintain consistency without the rhythm provided by Hasegawa and Fowler. Arsenal are well placed to benefit from any slip by City, but the absence of multiple internationals could disrupt their own momentum, setting up a congested battle for first place.
Teams missing several key internationals will face significant pressure on squad depth. Managers will have to rely heavily on rotation, and in a season with congested fixtures, the ability to deploy reinforcements and adapt tactically often separates true title contenders from the chasing pack.
The scheduling of the Women’s League Cup final and FA Cup ties during this period adds another layer of complexity. Clubs may be forced to prioritise one competition over another, resting fringe players or rotating them in certain games, a strategy that is likely to influence league position and the flow of the title race.
The psychological weight of playing without key players should not be underestimated. Dropping points in matches when squads are weakened can create a self-fulfilling cycle of pressure, undermining confidence and affecting performance even against lower-league opposition. Each slip-up has the potential to reshape the momentum of the championship fight.
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