Arsenal's Leah Williamson's return close as Man Utd and Mary Earps continue contract talks
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Leah Williamson (right) has been in full training with Arsenal this month having last featured in the WSL in April
England captain Leah Williamson could be in contention for Arsenal selection when they travel to Liverpool in the Women's Super League next week.
The 26-year-old is eight months into an expected nine-month recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
She has been in full training with Arsenal this month, though Saturday's game against Everton comes too soon.
Asked if Williamson could feature next week, Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall said: "Potentially, yes."
He added: "She's close. She's returned to full training. The game [against Everton] will be a little bit too soon but after that I definitely think she is in contention to be in the matchday squads."
Having captained the Lionesses to European Championship victory in 2022, Williamson's injury meant she missed out on the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Arsenal are currently third in the WSL table, three points behind leaders Chelsea, and face second-tier Reading in the Women's League Cup group stages on Wednesday.
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'Negotiations continuing' for Earps at United
News of Williamson's return follows the announcement that Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger has signed a new contract with the club.
"It was very important [to agree a new deal]," said Eidevall.
"Manu has been very good for us - both on the pitch with her footballing abilities but also as a leader with the group. As a person she sets really high standards for herself and the team. I'm really happy about having her as part of the goalkeeping team going forward."
Mary Earps was recently named Fifa Best Goalkeeper of the Year for the second season in a row
There has been speculation for a while that Arsenal are interested in Manchester United and England goalkeeper Mary Earps, who has six months remaining on her club contract.
When asked if signing a goalkeeper was still in Eidevall's thoughts, he replied: "We are still very much looking for a short-term solution in the period around the Gold Cup where we will most likely lose Sabrina D'Angelo to Canada.
"That is not impacted at all by this deal with Manuela Zinsberger. Until the summer, we will look at a lot of different positions to see how we can strengthen the squad in lots of different ways."
Meanwhile, Manchester United boss Marc Skinner said we are "no closer" to finding out if Earps will leave the club or agree a new deal after months of contract negotiations.
Last month, Earps said some of the speculation regarding her future at Manchester United had been an "injustice" and that "a lot of stuff isn't true".
"I don't think we're any closer to either of those [options being decided] but the conversations are continuing," said Skinner.
"Mary has been absolutely fantastic in her attitude and is committed to what we're doing here. There are factors Mary needs to achieve in her contract and the club are negotiating to do that.
"But what I want to stress is that Mary is here as a Manchester United player and is giving her unwavering focus to perform for the team. From my perspective, I'd love to keep her here and I want the club to continue to do the work to make that happen.
"Her future will be decided in the next few months and she has given absolutely everything for Manchester United. I'm hoping we get closer to that and I know negotiations are continuing."