In a significant blow to both Arsenal and the England national team, captain Leah Williamson has sustained a fresh hamstring injury during training, further delaying her long-awaited return to the pitch.
The setback occurred just as the defender was nearing a comeback from the devastating ACL injury that sidelined her for nine months and caused her to miss the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Club Confirms Training Ground Setback
Arsenal Women confirmed the news in an official statement, revealing that the injury happened during a recent training session. "Leah Williamson has sustained a minor hamstring injury in training," the club stated. "She will be closely monitored by our medical team and is expected to be back in the coming weeks."
This development means Williamson will miss Arsenal's crucial Women's Super League encounter against rivals Tottenham this weekend, adding to her frustrating spell on the sidelines.
Impact on England's Euro 2025 Campaign
The timing is particularly unfortunate for England manager Sarina Wiegman, with the Lionesses preparing to defend their European title in the 2025 qualifiers starting in April. Williamson's leadership and defensive prowess were expected to be central to England's campaign.
This latest injury raises concerns about her availability for the critical upcoming matches, potentially forcing Wiegman to reconsider her defensive lineup for the European championships.
Road to Recovery Interrupted
Williamson had only just made her return to competitive action in January, coming on as a substitute in Arsenal's Conti Cup victory over Reading. Her start against Manchester United the following weekend marked her first in the WSL since recovering from the ACL injury.
The hamstring issue represents another frustrating hurdle in what has been a challenging rehabilitation journey for the 26-year-old, who has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout her recovery process.
Teammate and fellow England international Beth Mead, who has herself recovered from an ACL injury, recently praised Williamson's strength and determination during her rehabilitation, highlighting the mental challenges of long-term injuries in football.
