Arsenal Women have suffered an early setback in their preparations for the 2025/26 Women’s Super League (WSL) campaign, with captain Leah Williamson ruled out for the opening weeks due to a knee injury.
The 28-year-old England international underwent a minor “clean-up” procedure on her right knee last week after experiencing swelling in the aftermath of the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 final victory over Spain on July 27, according to reports from The Standard and Sky Sports.
Williamson, who played the full 120 minutes and successfully converted a penalty in England’s shootout win to secure a second consecutive European title, returned to Arsenal’s training ground at Colney with visible swelling. The issue forced her to miss the club’s pre-season tour of Germany, with scans later confirming the need for surgery.
Although the operation was successful and the defender has already started rehabilitation, she is expected to miss several weeks of action. This rules her out of the Gunners’ WSL opener against London City Lionesses at the Emirates Stadium on September 6, as well as the following fixture against West Ham. Arsenal hopes to have her back for their high-profile trip to Manchester United on September 21.
Williamson’s absence is a major blow for head coach Renee Slegers, who is aiming to guide Arsenal to their first league title since 2019 and dethrone reigning champions Chelsea. The centre-back, who made 19 league appearances last season, will likely be replaced by Lotte Wubben-Moy alongside Steph Catley in defence during her recovery.
This latest setback comes after Williamson missed the 2023 World Cup with a ruptured ACL in the same knee, though Arsenal’s medical team has confirmed the current issue is unrelated to her previous injury.
Despite concerns, Slegers remains confident of a swift return, with sources describing the procedure as “precautionary.” However, Williamson’s appearance at Arsenal’s media day on crutches and in a knee brace has left fans anxiously awaiting her comeback.
