‘Not a good day’ – Leah Williamson sees return to Arsenal XI ruined as Lionesses star suffers defeat on first WSL start in almost 10 months

The Euro 2022 winner has endured close to 10 months of injury hell after damaging knee ligaments that led to her Women’s World Cup dream being dashed. After making her way to the end of a load road to recovery, Williamson has been eased into the Arsenal fold during the 2023-24 campaign.

Following outings from the bench, the 26-year-old defender was included from the off in a WSL clash with West Ham. With no risks being taken on her fitness, Williamson was replaced at half-time in that contest with the Gunners leading 1-0.

A slow start to the second half led to them suffering a shock 2-1 defeat, with Williamson’s mood being soured as a result. She posted on social media alongside an image of her back on the field as a starter: “Not a good day. Big week ahead now. Travelling support was a joke again.”

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Arsenal supporters will be hoping to have plenty to cheer before Jonas Eidevall’s side return to WSL action, with their next two fixtures set to come in knockout competition – away at London City in the FA WSL Cup on Wednesday and at home to Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round next weekend.