Borbe’s Resilience After Injury: A Key Moment for Arsenal

Borbe delivered an exceptional performance during Arsenal’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Corinthians on Sunday, earning her the title of Goalkeeper of the Tournament. She had also kept a clean sheet in the semi-final against AS FAR Rabat on Wednesday night.

However, her celebrations were cut short when she was stretchered off the field following a collision with teammate Lotte Wubben-Moy while diving for a loose ball in the final moments of the match. Borbe left the pitch wearing a neck brace and required oxygen, which understandably caused significant concern. Fortunately, recent updates regarding her condition are more optimistic. After being taken to the hospital for precautionary tests, the German goalkeeper was discharged and spent Sunday night at home, having received medical clearance.

Arsenal has faced a series of goalkeeper injuries this season. Manuela Zinsberger sustained an ACL injury in October, which prematurely ended her 2025-26 season, while Daphne van Domselaar experienced a quad injury in early December. Van Domselaar made her first appearance since November 19 when she replaced Borbe as a late substitute on Sunday.

Borbe has stepped up as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper in recent months, a challenging role given her limited playing time in preceding years. She rose to prominence as a starter at Werder Bremen but made only ten first-team appearances in two years with Wolfsburg before joining Arsenal on a free transfer last summer. Her debut for the Gunners came in December after Van Domselaar’s injury.

During a Champions League match against Twente, Borbe’s second appearance, there was a moment when it seemed 17-year-old Amy Liddiard might need to make her senior debut. However, Borbe managed to recover from a minor issue and has since been in commendable form.

This injury scare has prompted speculation about whether Arsenal will seek to acquire another goalkeeper before the January transfer window closes. With Van Domselaar just returning from injury and uncertainties surrounding Borbe’s future availability, along with Zinsberger’s long-term absence due to her ACL injury, the club’s options are limited.

Many anticipated that Arsenal would pursue a new shot-stopper during this transfer window, especially since their only backup was the 17-year-old Liddiard. The club has since recalled 21-year-old Naomi Williams from a loan at Bristol City, adding a goalkeeper with senior experience to their ranks, albeit not with Arsenal. The Gunners have limited time left to make moves in the transfer market, with the deadline approaching on Tuesday.

Given the circumstances, it seems unlikely that Borbe will participate in Arsenal’s upcoming match, which is critical. The Gunners are set to host league leaders Manchester City in the WSL on Sunday. While their title aspirations may seem distant, with City holding a 13-point lead, Arsenal needs a positive result to enhance their chances of securing a top-three finish, ensuring qualification for Champions League football. They currently sit fourth, just one point behind third-placed Chelsea and two points behind second-placed Manchester United, though they have a game in hand.

Arsenal manager Renee Slegers will hope that Van Domselaar is prepared for a full match, having played the final moments of Sunday’s victory. The Dutch goalkeeper is expected to face significant challenges against a Manchester City team that has scored 41 goals in 14 games, including an impressive five-goal performance against Chelsea, the reigning WSL champions, on Sunday.