Chloe Kelly's Epic Comeback: From Euro Penalty Queen to Arsenal's Injury Survivor

Picture this: summer 2025, England lifting the Euro 2025 trophy, and who's stepping up for the decisive penalty against Spain? None other than Chloe Kelly, the Lionesses' ice-veined winger. She didn't just stop there – goals and assists in knockouts, penalties in shootouts. Blimey, she was untouchable.

Fast forward to her permanent switch to Arsenal after bossing their Champions League triumph on loan. Everyone reckoned she'd tear up the 2025-26 season. But football, eh? It's got a habit of kneeing you in the nuts – literally, in Kelly's case.

Sidelines More Than Star Turns

Coming into the campaign, Kelly was primed like a Geordie on a night out. But injuries? They've been clingier than a bad hangover. Missed starts in the Women's Super League (WSL), strapped-up knee against West Ham, and subbed off early in England's win over Ghana just as she hit stride.

By December, she'd notched two goals and three assists in 12 appearances, but looked like she was running on fumes. Two months sidelined followed, sneaking back for Arsenal's FIFA Women's Champions Cup glory in January. Sub cameos against AS FAR, Corinthians, and Man City built her up, but starters? Rare as a honest VAR call.

Sarina Wiegman nailed it post-final: "She loves these moments." Last season at Arsenal, after a rocky Man City spell, Kelly exploded – two goals, five assists in 12 games, dragging the Gunners to Champions League footy. Childhood club magic in the north London derby. Pure box office.

Sharp as a Tackle in Leuven

Last Wednesday, the drought ended. First start since before Christmas: Arsenal's 4-0 demolition of OH Leuven in the Champions League play-offs. Kelly played 60 minutes, looked leggy and lively. That pinpoint cross for Olivia Smith's goal? Chef's kiss. Three accurate crosses – only Katie McCabe (with four over 90) topped her.

Passing crisp, positivity oozing, defending gritty. Post-match, Kelly grinned: "Feeling really good, building minutes, shaking off the rust." Arsenal nearly locked in quarters already. If Leuven don't miracle it midweek, it's Chelsea next. Mouth-watering.

As The Guardian reported via OneFootball, this timing's gold dust. Brighton clash postponed, but Leuven return leg Wednesday, then FA Cup vs lower-tier Bristol City weekend. Low-pressure run to ramp up.

Lionesses Lifeline and Big Guns Ahead

For England, it's massive. Upcoming World Cup qualifiers vs Ukraine and Iceland – expect parked buses. With Ella Toone and Beth Mead out, Kelly's creativity is chef's kiss. She's got that knack for unlocking defences, especially when it counts.

Arsenal? Quarter-final fireworks vs Chelsea, WSL title chase, cups galore. Kelly's return feels like plot armour for a blockbuster finish. From hero to hobbler to hunter – if she stays fit, expect match-winners. She's got that big-game belly-fire, the kind that wins pens and hearts.

Grab your scarf, it's Kelly o'clock. Arsenal and Lionesses fans, pint's on her if she delivers.

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