Lionesses captain Williamson set to miss World Cup through injury

Leah Williamson is set to undergo surgery after the England captain ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament playing for Arsenal against Manchester United on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old was withdrawn in the first half of the Women’s Super League clash and the Gunners have now confirmed that she will be absent for an extended period.

A club statement read: “Leah underwent further assessment on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury. She 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 is unlikely to recover from her injury before the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, leaving Sarina Wiegman’s side without their skipper for the summer.

The 43-cap international lifted the Euro 2022 trophy at Wembley last year after England saw off Germany in the final on home soil.

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