Leah Williamson: England captain 'not too far off' return, says Jonas Eidevall

Williamson has not played for Arsenal since injuring her ACL in a 1-0 loss to Manchester United in April, 2023

England captain Leah Williamson is "not too far off from returning to play", says Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall.

Defender Williamson is eight months into an expected nine-month recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The 26-year-old sustained the injury in April while playing for Arsenal in the Women's Super League.

"She's been basically returning to full training now so that's very pleasing," said Eidevall.

"She needs a little bit more of that and after that we can introduce her to game minutes as well.

"Leah is going very well, shouldn't be too far off from returning to play."

Having captained the Lionesses to European Championship glory in 2022, Williamson's injury meant she missed out on the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Arsenal are third in the WSL table, three points off leaders Chelsea, and face second-tier Watford in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.

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