Beth Mead ‘chomping at the bit’ to return to action for Arsenal in fitness boost ahead of Liverpool clash

BETH MEAD is eager to make her long-awaited return to match action after a serious knee injury. 

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall revealed the Gunners star could get a run-out when the team play Liverpool today with a 50,000-strong crowd expected at the Emirates.

GettyBeth Mead and Arsenal summer signing Laia Codina could both be in line to make appearances at the Emirates later[/caption]

GettyMead has returned to fitness after being sidelined by an ACL injury she sustained last November[/caption]

Mead  ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament during Arsenal’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United at the stadium in November. 

The injury saw the WSL star, 28, sidelined for much of this year including missing this year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand

However the Gunners ace’s return to the pitch looks imminent. 

Speaking to the club’s web site, she said: “I am chomping at the bit to get on that pitch!

“I’ve worked hard to get to this point, so I can’t wait for the season to get going.

“I can’t wait to put that shirt back on and hopefully help Arsenal to an amazing season. 

“It’s one step at a time with this injury. You get integrated into little different sections of training and now I’m back in completely. 

“I’m like a kid at Christmas running around and playing again. 

“Ultimately getting fit and getting myself in the best shape and sharpness possible is my main aim.”

Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool comes two days after the Reds officially opened their new training facility at Melwood. 

Reds defender Gemma Bonner told the club’s website: “Melwood has such an amazing history.

“I’ve been at the club from quite early on in my first spell and to see the changes and to be finally able to call Melwood home, I still can’t believe I’m saying it because it’s been a long time coming.

GettyNatasha Flint and her Liverpool team-mates will take on Arsenal at the Emirates this afternoon[/caption]

“We have been wanting a top-class facility for so long and we’ve finally got it. 

“I think the game has grown so much and for us as a team we want to be successful – it’s part of the Liverpool DNA. 

“That is winning games, winning trophies and being successful.”

Arsenal vs Liverpool in the WSL will kick off at 2:00pm and will be broadcast live on FA Player