Arsenal defender Leah Williamson sustained a calf injury that will see the England captain ruled out of the Gunners’ FA Cup fourth round meeting with Aston Villa on Sunday.

Renee Slegers confirmed on Friday afternoon that Williamson will be unavailable, but goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar is “progressing well” and “might be back” to face her former club. The Dutch shot-stopper has been sidelined since November, with Anneke Borbe keeping four clean sheets in six games in her absence.

Arsenal have reportedly shown interest in Hoffenheim goalkeeper Laura Dick, with Slegers refraining from commenting specifically on whether the Gunners will sign the 22-year-old. 

“We brought Naomi [Williams] back in, which has been really good, she's come back really well. She said herself this morning, it was only four months, but she feels like she's become a better person and a better goalkeeper. So she's done really well coming back in for us. 

“I think again, Nekkie [Borbe] performed well against United, made that incredible save earlier in the game. Daph [van Domselaar] is progressing back in. Three good goalkeepers is the optimal situation [where] they’re all three fit and ready to go and we're close to that point.”

Asked by the Gooner Fanzine whether Cecily Wellesley-Smith, who was recalled from her loan with Leicester City, will go out on loan, Slegers said: “Cecily came back from Leicester and it's always good to see players back in with us, just like Leila Harbert. 

“They're training really well with us at the moment and we're looking at the short, medium and long term, what's best for her development. So when we have anything to share on Cecily as well we will let you know.”

Jessie Gale was briefly recalled from her loan with WSL2 bottom side Portsmouth to join their league rivals Bristol City, and came off the bench to score on her debut, a 4-2 away win against Nottingham Forest.

“Jessie has been doing really well, so we're happy with her move and really good that she made a good debut,” Slegers told the Gooner Fanzine. 

“She did well when she was in with us as well in our training environment. She's a young player with a lot of qualities, some super strengths and obviously very young still, so she needs to become a complete footballer, so we think the loan is perfect for her now.”

Slegers also confirmed that Jenna Nighswonger, who joined Aston Villa on loan earlier this month, will not be able to face her parent club on Sunday.