Arsenal midfielder Williamson set to be sidelined until 2024 with ACL injury

Arsenal midfielder Leah Williamson is reportedly set to be sidelined until 2024 with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. 

The 26-year-old sustained the injury in the first half Gunners’ 1-0 loss to Manchester United in the Women’s Super League on Wednesday. 

The England captain was assessed on Thursday to determine the extent of her injury. Arsenal have confirmed she will undergo surgery and will be out for an extended period. 

The club posted a statement on their official website: “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.”

Big blow for Arsenal and England 

The Gunners have already lost Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema to long-term injuries.

They will now be without another key player. Williamson has featured in 11 matches this term, making three goal contributions. 

Her ACL injury will see her miss the World Cup this summer and the first half of next season. 

This is a big blow for Arsenal who are already six points behind league leaders Manchester United. 

With a few games remaining in the season, the Londoners’ chances of winning the Women’s Super League title are slim. 

Williamson’s absence from the World Cup is a big blow for England, who start their World Cup campaign against Haiti on July 22.