Arsenal and England captain Leah Williamson has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate less than three months before the Women’s World Cup.
The 26-year-old defender was forced off in the first-half of Arsenal’s 1-0 Women’s Super League loss against title rivals Manchester United on Wednesday night after chasing down possession. Williamson immediately signalled for a replacement after appearing to twinge her knee. Despite refusing a stretcher and hobbling off the pitch to a loud round of applause from those in attendance, Williamson was later spotted on crutches during the second-half.
And Arsenal have confirmed that the Lionesses captain has sustained a ruptured ACL and is set for an “extended spell on the sidelines” after undergoing surgery.
In a statement posted to the club's website, Arsenal confirmed: "Leah will now begin a period of rehabilitation and is set for an extended spell on the sidelines. She will undergo surgery in due course.
"Everyone at Arsenal will be supporting Leah closely throughout the journey ahead and we would ask that her privacy is respected at this time."
Williamson represents the latest marquee women's footballer to be afflicted by an ACL injury, alongside Arsenal teammates Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema, marking another injury in an increasingly swelling catalogue for Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall to navigate during a hectic end to the women's domestic season.
Williamson was playing in midfield against United to compensate for the absence of stalwart Kim Little, who sustained a season-ending knee injury earlier in the week.
And with less than 100 days until the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia, the captain’s absence will prove a significant absence in the European champion's rock solid defence. England, who are touted as promising contenders for a first-ever World Cup trophy, are set to compete at the showpiece event without stalwart Mead.
Chelsea defender Millie Bright was also absent from England’s last camp due to a knee injury suffered in the Champions League first leg quarter-final clash with Lyon, though the 29-year-old is believed to return to the pitch before the close of the WSL season.
In the aftermath of Wednesday night’s loss, Eidevall shifted blame for Williamson’s injury on the pitch quality at Leigh Sports Village and the gruelling fixture schedule afforded Arsenal in comparison to other English sides competing in Europe.
Arsenal, who sit six points off league leaders United after Wednesday night’s defeat, have not elaborated on Frida Maanum, who was also forced off in the first half of the United loss.
The Gunners face heady opposition in Wolfsburg on Sunday in the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final as they are forced to reckon with their newest injury addition.
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