Leah Williamson ACL injury confirmed to leave Arsenal star's England World Cup place in doubt

The Lionesses skipper was forced off in the first-half of Arsenal's 1-0 WSL loss to Manchester United on Wednesday

Arsenal and England captain Leah Williamson has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate less than three months before the Women’s World Cup.

The 26-year-old defender was forced off in the first-half of Arsenal’s 1-0 Women’s Super League loss against title rivals Manchester United on Wednesday night after chasing down possession. Williamson immediately signalled for a replacement. Despite refusing a stretcher and hobbling off the pitch to a loud round of applause, Williamson was spotted on crutches during the second-half.

And Arsenal have confirmed that the Lionesses captain has suffered an ACL injury and is set for an “extended spell on the sidelines” after surgery.

In a statement posted to the club's website, Arsenal confirmed: "Leah 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 represents the latest marquee women's footballer to suffer an ACL injury, alongside Arsenal teammates Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema, marking another injury for Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall to navigate in a hectic end to the women's domestic season.

And with less than 100 days until the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia, the captain’s absence will prove a significant absence in Wiegman’s rock solid defence. England will compete at the showpiece event without stalwart Mead. Meanwhile, Chelsea and England defender Millie Bright was absent from England’s last camp due to a knee injury.

In the aftermath of Wednesday night’s loss, Eidevall shifted blame for Williamson’s injury on the pitch quality at Leigh Sports Village and the gruelling fixture schedule afforded Arsenal in comparison to other English sides competing in Europe.

Arsenal, who sit six points off league leaders United after Wednesday night’s defeat, have not elaborated on Frida Maanum’s injury also suffered in the match’s first half.

This is a developing news story that will be updated with relevant information as we get it. More to follow...