Team news | Blakstad in contention, updates on Tandberg & Ahtinen

Martin Ho has confirmed that Julie Blakstad is in contention to be involved for Sunday’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Leicester City at Brisbane Road (12pm UK) - and also provided a positive updates on Cathinka Tandberg and Olga Ahtinen.

Julie joined us earlier this month, following the expiration of her contract at Hammarby IF, but missed last weekend’s opening game of the new year – a 1-0 win over the Foxes in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

Julie has since been involved in full training this week at Hotspur Way and our Head Coach revealed that our number 41 is available for selection for this weekend as we begin our Women's FA Cup journey in the fourth round.

Meanwhile, Martin told the media that Cathinka Tandberg and Olga Ahtinen are progressing well in their recovery but said that Sunday's encounter with the Foxes will come too soon for the pair, although the latter is eyeing a return next weekend against Liverpool.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Martin said: “Cathinka now back on the pitch and training but this game might come too soon.

"Julie has been on the pitch training as well and she will be in contention for this game. Olga also back in training but, again, this game probably comes too early. She could be in contention for the Liverpool game."

Elsewhere, Charlotte Grant continues to be sidelined, while Jess Naz, Maite Oroz, Ella Morris and Luana Buhler remain long-term absentees.

Providing an update on those players, Martin added: "Ella [Morris] is very close to team training, which is good for her. Charli [Grant] is still a little bit off, might be the start of February (to be back in training), while Luana [Buhler], Maite [Oroz] and Jess [Naz] still doing their rehabilitation. Those two are in a really good space.

"We're getting players back to the pitch and, hopefully, we will have two or three back in the next seven to 10 days."