It has been confirmed that Arsenal and England star Leah Williamson has suffered an ACL injury. This unfortunately ends her World Cup hopes and rules her out of further action with the Gunners this season.
The defender was forced off the pitch during Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Wednesday. The England captain went down with no apparent contact, requiring her to be replaced just 11 minutes into the clash.
The club has confirmed the extent of Williamson’s injury, which will require a substantial period of recovery. Therefore, the 26-year-old will now miss out on this summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Her absence will be hugely felt by the Gunners who are currently experiencing a substantial injury crisis. England have also been dealt a huge blow as they’re set to be without their skipper for the World Cup.
But of course, no one is feeling the devastation more than Williamson herself. She took to social media to post a statement about her injury news, and took the time to stress that she will be behind Arsenal and England the whole way but has also asked for some space to process.
Leah Williamson posts emotional injury statement
“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,” Williamson wrote.
“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.”
Williamson also promised she will “continue to give everything that my body, mind and heart possibly has to the Arsenal and Lionesses” until she is back on the pitch with them.
“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.”
