'So proud of you' - Mary Earps sends Lionesses team-mate Leah Williamson touching message after her Arsenal return following lengthy ACL layoff

Williamson made her much-anticipated comeback in Arsenal's WSL Cup win at Reading on Wednesday, coming off the bench after an hour to set up a goal for another recent ACL injury victim, Beth Mead. After the game, an emotional Williamson embraced team-mates and paid tribute on social media to the friendships that have kept her spirits up during her nine-month absence.

Replying to Williamson's post, England goalkeeper Earps posted via Instagram Stories: "She's back. You've smashed it, So proud of you."

Instagram @1maryearps

ACL injuries have become heartbreakingly commonplace in the women's game in recent years with a host of top players missing last summer's World Cup due to the same injury. Arsenal have been particularly hit hard with Williamson and Mead joined by Vivianne Miedama, Laura Wienroither and Laylan Marckese in the last two seasons. That fact that was referenced by Mead after Wednesday night's win at Reading.

@bethmead_ Instagram

England's Euro 2022 winning captain will be hoping to get some more minutes in her legs when Arsenal travel to Merseyside to take on Liverpool this Sunday. Earps, meanwhile, will star for United when they host Aston Villa on the same day.