Huge blow for Arsenal! Lionesses star Beth Mead one of two key players ruled out of the Gunners' crucial Champions League qualifier against Rangers

The Gunners take on the Scottish giants on September 4, with the victor to face the winner of Rosenborg and Atletico Madrid for a place in the second round of Champions League qualifying. It's a tough draw for Jonas Eidevall's side and, as such, the head coach would have hoped to have everyone available for the game - but he will be without both Mead and Steph Catley, the Australia international full-back.

Speaking in his press conference on Tuesday, Eidevall said: "Beth Mead and Steph Catley didn’t take part in team training today and they will not be in the matchday squad tomorrow. It is too early. But the rest who trained today are available. It is day by day thing. I think Beth Mead is definitely getting very close to returning to the squad, so she is the next in line to return."

There was some good news for Arsenal fans though, as Eidevall confirmed that almost everyone else will be available for selection on Wednesday, bar the already known absentees of Lina Hurtig and Victoria Pelova. That includes Lotte Wubben-Moy, the England defender who missed the last two friendly matches, and Daphne van Domselaar, the Dutch goalkeeper who signed from Aston Villa this summer but has yet to play for her new club.

Arsenal came up short at this point of Champions League qualifying last year, defeated by a Paris FC side that would also eliminate Wolfsburg, finalists the season prior, to reach the group stage.

The Gunners will be keen to avoid that same disappointment this week but they will be without Mead and Catley for this first qualifying game at least.