In this afternoon's press conference, Renée Slegers confirmed that Victoria Pelova is in contention to make her long-awaited return for Arsenal in Sunday’s clash against West Ham.

It would be her first appearance since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing for the Netherlands against Finland on June 4.

Pelova joined Arsenal on January 6, 2023, and quickly established herself as a key figure in midfield. Last season, she was a standout performer, making 32 appearances across all competitions—the most by any player in the squad.

Only Katie McCabe, with 28 starts, surpassed Pelova’s 25. Her brilliant form was heartbreakingly interrupted by the injury during the June 2024 international break, just 12 minutes into a UEFA Women’s Championship qualifier.

On February 12, 2025, Pelova made a significant step forward in her recovery, playing for Arsenal’s under-21s against Manchester United and marking her comeback with a goal.

Her return will be eagerly anticipated as Arsenal enter a crucial part of their season, with numerous fixtures ahead and a need for as many players available as possible. Fans will be excited to see Pelova back in action, hoping she can seamlessly pick up where she left off and make an immediate impact.