Williamson ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in the first 12 minutes of Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Manchester United at Leigh Sports Village Stadium on Wednesday.
Leah Williamson, captain of England, stated that her “World Cup dream is over” after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in Arsenal’s loss to Manchester United on Wednesday.
After collapsing 12 minutes into Arsenal’s 1-0 loss at Leigh Sports Village, Williamson was evacuated due to knee soreness.
Two Arsenal physiotherapists helped the 26-year-old leave Manchester’s Leigh Sports Village venue.
However, a scan showed she had a significant knee damage that usually takes six months to repair.
We can confirm that Leah Williamson ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament on Wednesday night.” Arsenal Women tweeted, adding, “We’re all behind you, @leahcmcson.”
After the announcement, Williamson posted on social media. “Until I have the appropriate words to express my emotions, I will be unable to do so”.
The situation is surrounded by a lot of noise, and I need some peace and silence to process everything.
“Unfortunately, the World Cup and Champions League dreams are over for me, and everyone will think that’s the most important thing, but the day-to-day struggles I’m about to endure are the most taxing on my mind.”
Due to her injury, Williamson is unlikely to captain the Lionesses at the 20 July to 8 August Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
England manager Sarina Wiegman will announce her squad in late May before England’s July 22 opener against Haiti in Brisbane.
The injury occurred less than two weeks after Williamson led England to the inaugural Finalissima trophy at Wembley, defeating Brazil in a penalty shootout to win the second piece of silverware since Wiegman named her captain in advance of last summer’s European Championships.
Jonas Eidevall, manager of Arsenal, initially blamed the Manchester United pitch for Wednesday’s incident and was unclear how long Williamson would be out.
She will endure surgery “in due course,” according to Arsenal.
“Everyone at Arsenal will be closely supporting Leah throughout her upcoming journey. And we ask that her privacy be respected at this time,” the club said in a statement.
Two strikes for England
It is a devastating loss for England, who will also be without Williamson’s injured Arsenal teammate Beth Mead. The Euro 2022 tournament’s leading scorer, and player of the tournament, for the World Cup.
Wiegman announced her latest World Cup roster in March, stating Mead was unlikely to recover from her ACL injury.
In his pre-match press conference, Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor said, “This is not good for Leah, Arsenal, or England.”
It will be a difficult time for Leah, particularly at this point in the season.
