England defender, Leah Williamson is ruled out of 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament.
Williamson was substituted in the first half of Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester United in Women’s Super League with a suspected Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury on Wednesday (19 April), which caused widespread fears over her chances of featuring at this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Arsenal doctors have since undertaken thorough assessment of the injury and has since confirmed that Williamson has suffered a ruptured ACL, which has ruled her out for rest of this season plus the Women’s World Cup in a huge blow for England Lionesses’ chances of a first World Cup title.
In a short statement, Arsenal refused to confirm the specific time length of Williamson’s recovery process, as they commented: ‘We can confirm that Leah Williamson suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in our Barclays Women’s Super League match against Manchester United on Wednesday night.
‘Leah was substituted in the first half of the game at Leigh Sports Village and underwent further assessment on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury.
‘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 added: “Unfortunately the World Cup and Champions League dream is over for me and everyone will think that is the main focus, but it’s the day to day of what I am about to go through that is the most draining of my thoughts.
“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 sport and long term.”
In response to Arsenal’s statement, England Lionesses’ official Twitter account pledged their support for Williamson in her recovery.
We’re with you every step of the way, @leahcwilliamson ❤️ https://t.co/MFqYJvIjPy
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) April 21, 2023
Williamson’s absence coupled with concerns over Chelsea defender – Millie Bright – who is struggling with a knee injury – now raises huge questions for England manager, Sarina Wiegman in terms of central defence at this summer’s tournament.
Williamson meanwhile is joined on the sidelines by fellow Lioness and Arsenal teammate, Beth Mead who is also sidelined with an ACL injury alongside their fellow Gunner and Dutch forward, Vivianne Miedema.