We won't need extra motivation, says Powell

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Albion can't wait to return to WSL action on Sunday.

Bruce Talbot

2021-01-17T07:00:00Z

Hope Powell's side could move up to seventh with a win on Sunday.

Hope Powell says her players won't need any extra motivation when they belatedly restart the WSL season on Sunday.

It is a month since Albion last played after their first game following the Christmas break against Bristol City was postponed.

They return to action against a Birmingham City side side-lined for even longer. Their last competitive game was on December 9th and their last WSL match – a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal – came three days earlier.

“It is still a very uncertain time for everybody in the WSL but the girls won't need any extra motivation,” said Powell.

“They know how privileged they are, especially at the moment, to be playing professionally and training every day and playing every week. They just love playing and are desperate to get back out there again on Sunday.

Beth Roe was recalled from her loan at Charlton Athletic yesterday.

“Irrespective of Covid-19, every game is a challenge and we're not focusing too much on how Birmingham are preparing if I'm honest. We have had two tough games against them already and expect another on Sunday, but we also recognise that we if can get three points we could move above them in the table.”

Albion had to call off the Bristol City game after two players returned positive Covid-19 tests and five others were isolating or injured.

Selection on Sunday will be determined by the results of the latest round of testing, but Beth Roe has been recalled from her loan spell at Charlton Athletic to boost Powell's options.

“We may have to draw on players from our Academy but we will only do that if we feel they are capable of coping with first-team football,” added Powell.

“It's tough at the moment because of the pandemic but that's why we have a squad of players.”