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April 21, 2023
Updated 6 hours ago
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WSL: Williamson walks off the field after getting injured against Manchester United
England captain Leah Williamson says her World Cup dream is over after her club, Arsenal, confirmed she had sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
England’s opening World Cup match with Haiti takes place on July 22.
Arsenal meets Wolfsburg in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Sunday (14:30 GMT).
Williamson added: “Unfortunately the dream of a World Cup and Champions League is over for me and everyone will think that is the main focus but what I am going through day in and day out is the most draining thought.
“My tears and peace were with her the night it happened, and since then I have been following the steps I was told to help her best in the sport and in the long run.”
Anterior cruciate ligament injuries usually keep athletes out for six to nine months.
Arsenal said she would have the operation “in due course”.
Williamson, who led England to victory at the European Championships in 2022, is the latest injury setback for Lioness Sarina Wegman.
England already expect to travel to the tournament in Australia and New Zealand without Beth Mead, who finished top scorer last summer, due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
And there are doubts about the readiness of Chelsea striker Fran Kirby, after he has been out of action since February.
Devastating news for England’s hopes
Siobhan Chamberlain, who was in the England squad that finished third at the 2015 World Cup, said the injury was “terrible timing”.
The former goalkeeper told BBC Radio 5 Live: “She is an essential part of the team. It is devastating news for her, for Arsenal, for England and for anyone who has high hopes for England.”
“Sarina Wiegmann will have to make a lot of changes to the squad and line-up because Lea covers more than one position and obviously as a captain, it’s a big blow.”
The injury could provide an opportunity for former captain and Manchester City midfielder Steve Hutton to return to the fold.
Hutton has not yet played under Wegman due to injuries and then selection options.
Speaking earlier in April, Wegman said Hutton’s chances of making the team were “not high” but that she would “never close the door”.
“She just has to do her job and play for Manchester City,” said Chamberlain.
“The most important thing for her is her experience because she lost Jill Scott and Elaine White from the Euros, and now they’ve lost their captain and there are question marks about Fran Kirby and Millie Bright.
“There’s a huge lack of tournament experience now in the squad. Even if you don’t necessarily bring in Steve as a starting center back, she’s a good experienced player in the squad and someone who understands tournament football.”
WSL defends stadium standards after Eidevall warning
Williamson was injured just 15 minutes into Wednesday’s Women’s Football League match at Lee Sports Village after falling awkwardly while chasing possession and immediately signaling she needed to be substituted.
A stretcher was initially brought onto the pitch, but a limping Williamson was able to get off with the support of a member of Arsenal’s medical staff.
Arsenal manager Jonas Edvall said afterwards: “You see the pitch, it’s a pitch that has a lot [be desired]. I think it will continue here with our schedule and pitches like that, players will get injured.”
He added that the facilities needed to be improved to “keep the players on the field”.
A WSL spokesperson said on Friday that pitches at WSL grounds are monitored throughout the season with “steps taken” to support clubs where necessary.
Arsenal have already been affected by serious injuries to key players this season including captain Kim Little, Ballon d’Or runner-up Mid and last season’s top scorer Vivian Miedema.
“With you every step of the way” – Williamson Support
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said Williamson would be a “devastating loss” for the trophies and Arsenal.
“[She is] Someone who has had a profound impact on club and country [so it’s] It’s disappointing to see such a huge injury again.”
“I’ve said this many times – I think we need to get away from lazy comments about the causes of these injuries. It’s multifaceted.”
The England national team responded on social media on Instagram: “You will come back stronger than ever.”
Teammate Mead said on Twitter: “We’re with you every step of the way, even if you have to be quiet some days in rehab.
“We have, girl, all the love and power in the world.”
Meanwhile, Fibro, a global union of professional footballers, said on Twitter: “As news of Leah Williamson’s ACL World Cup final injury spread, teammate Beth Mead’s words could never have been truer.
“More. Search. Wanted.”
Analysis – England’s World Cup hopes have plummeted
It’s potentially the worst news for Sarina Wiegmann with three months left until the World Cup.
Williamson’s importance to England cannot be underestimated. She’s the captain, part of a formidable centre-back partnership with Millie Bright and a calming influence on her teammates.
She started and captained every game when England won Euro 2022 last summer and played in 22 of the Lionesses’ 30 unbeaten matches.
With Arsenal teammate Beth Mead already ruled out with an ACL injury, England are now almost certainly without last summer’s top scorer and captain, while Chelsea’s Fran Kirby and Bright are currently on the injury list, adding to concerns.
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