Long-awaited Rachel Corsie return for Aston Villa Women | OneFootball

It has been since September 20th of last year when Rachel Corsie was last able to suit up for Aston Villa Women. That fixture against Chelsea was the first of the season in the WSL for Villa. Unfortunately for her, since then, a knee injury has prevented her from being in the matchday squad.

In a welcome development for Villa fans, the defender was announced as an available player for Wednesday's Arsenal match. Since requiring surgery, Corsie has looked to return to training and anchor the backline for AVWFC again. It was looking promising around January.

Around then, a further setback prevented Corsie's ability to reenter the fray then. Now, as shown by the team's social media team, the Scotland international is fit and ready to be an available option when the Villans take on the Gunners. For a side that is starting to find its groove, her inclusion in regular first-team activities has come at an excellent time.

Villa have staved off the dreaded drop-down. Currently on a two-game winning streak, they know that their future will remain in the WSL. Although not entirely a shift, Villa's focus will be on improving their quality of play and continuing to improve. With safety ensured, they can use the final month as a sort of stepping stone for the 2025-2026 campaign.

Significant Aston Villa Women player returns to the team

For Arroyo, having the presence of Corsie back will be a vital piece to the roster to reincorporate as she aims to imprint her vision on the Villa. Speaking earlier with the BBC, the Spaniard shared just how important the defender is for the Villans:

For Arroyo, finishing the year wrong is still critically important, even if they know that relegation has been avoided. Her aim remains on creating the right team approach that can ensure that they challenge teams in the standings moving forward. Being without someone as experienced and important as Corsie obviously makes a difference.

Now, with three fixtures remaining, Corsie can show what her inclusion in the lineup will look like in Arroyo's system. Individually, it is an accomplishment of will and determination to continue pushing through rehab and fighting to compete again.