Arsenal captain Williamson to miss season start after knee cleanup

Arsenal captain Leah Williamson will miss the start of the Women’s Super League season after undergoing a minor knee cleanup procedure to treat swelling in her right knee, an injury sustained during England’s European Championship success. The 28-year-old defender is expected to be sidelined for several weeks as she begins rehabilitation, though the club stressed the setback is not linked to her previous ACL injury in 2023. Arsenal open their league campaign on September 6 at home to London City Lionesses, adding to a busy summer of recruitment and squad refreshment.

Williamson’s latest setback comes as she returns from a lengthy layoff caused by a rupture to the same knee’s ACL in April 2023. The current issue, described as a separate knee problem, was identified after she reported back to Colney with swelling that delayed her full preseason preparations. The operation, described as a cleanup, has been deemed successful, and Williamson has started the rehabilitation process. While the timing is inconvenient, Arsenal believe the injury will not require an extended spell and that Williamson remains a key long-term asset for both club and country.