Leah Williamson: Arsenal star to miss start of WSL season after undergoing knee surgery | OneFootball

Renee Slegers will be without a key defender for a number of weeks

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The 28-year-old captained England to a second consecutive Euros title this summer, playing 120 minutes and missing a spot-kick in the penalty shootout as the Lionesses pipped Spain to the title.

She reported back to Arsenal’s Colney training centre with swelling in her right knee, and subsequently missed the Gunners’ pre-season trip to Germany.

Williamson has now undergone a minor ‘clean-up’ operation. Standard Sport understands she is expected to be sidelined for a matter of weeks, not months.

The Gunners open their WSL campaign on September 6, hosting the upwardly mobile London City Lionesses at the Emirates.

Williamson tore her right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in April 2023, but the two injuries are not thought to be linked.

It is a blow for Renee Slegers’ side, who will be without a key defender and dressing room leader as they look to unseat Chelsea as the pre-eminent WSL side.

Williamson made 19 League appearances last season as Arsenal finished as WSL runners-up, 12 points shy of invincible Chelsea.

After winning the Women’s Champions League last summer, the Gunners will hope to convert their continental success into domestic competition.

And they face a relatively easy start to the season. After facing London City, visit minnows West Ham before facing their first proper test of the campaign away to Manchester United in late September.

Williamson is facing a race against time to be match-fit for that bout, which will likely have implications for the title race.