Leah Williamson has released an emotional statement following confirmation she sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Arsenal's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United this week.
The defender limped off early in the first half at Leigh Sports Village and everyone's worst fears have since been confirmed after Arsenal released a statement on Friday confirming the news. She's now set to face the a lengthy spell on the sidelines and will miss the remainder of the campaign for the Gunners, as well as this summer's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The 26-year-old issued a statement on social media and has asked for time and space to digest the news.
READ MORE: Leah Williamson ACL injury confirmed as England skipper ruled out of World Cup
"Until I have the words to express my feelings properly, I will struggle to verbalise them," Williamson wrote. "The noise around the situation is loud and I need some quiet to let it all sink in.
"Unfortunately the World Cup and Champions League dream is over for me and everyone will think that’s the main focus, but it’s the day-to-day of what I’m about to go through that is the most draining of my thoughts.
“I had my tears and made my peace with it the night it happened and since then I have been following the steps I’m told to, in order to best help myself in the short and long term.
“Ultimately, I think it’s just my time. In the past couple of years alone I have watched teammates beat serious illnesses and adversity with the biggest of smiles on their faces. I also hold perspective that globally there are much greater difficulties and therefore my circumstances right now are just that, circumstantial, and I’ve seen a lot worse.
“I haven’t had a day since last October when I’ve walked on to the pitch without a physical or mental question mark over me, and that’s professional sports, so now I have to listen to my body, give it what it needs and if everything happens for a reason, then we’ll see what road this turn sends me down.
“I have given and will continue to give everything that my body, mind and heart possibly has to the Arsenal and Lionesses. I will still be there through thick and thin for all of my teammates and their biggest supporter.
“I feel your love and support, so thank you! All I ask is for a little bit of time and space to deal with all that is to come.”
READ NEXT:
'One absence too many' - Jonas Eidevall makes honest Arsenal admission after Man United defeat
Arsenal handed huge Leah Williamson injury scare as Man United edge WSL showdown
Arsenal player ratings after title hopes dented against Man United amid Leah Williamson injury
Arsenal captain Kim Little agrees new contract after injury blow confirmed
- Arsenal dealt injury blow as Kim Little update issued ahead of Man United clash
