Leah Williamson England Women 2022Getty

England captain Leah Williamson ruled out of Women's World Cup as Arsenal confirm devastating ACL injury

  • Williamson ruled out of Women's World Cup
  • Suffered ACL injury in Wednesday's defeat to Man Utd
  • Will miss Arsenal's Champions League semi-final

WHAT HAPPENED? The club confirmed the news on Friday afternoon, two days after Williamson had to be substituted off after just 11 minutes in the 1-0 defeat in the north west. She will undergo surgery in due course.

🏆 TOP STORY: Ronaldo faces NO punishment for obscene gesture

📣 HAVE YOUR SAY: Who should replace woeful De Gea at Man Utd?

🚨 MUST READ: What UCL return means for Arsenal

THE BIGGER PICTURE: The injury is a massive hammer blow for club and country. Arsenal, already missing several big names, will be without one of their star players for the Champions League semi-final tie with Wolfsburg and the Women's Super League run-in, as the Gunners look to secure European football and get back into the title race.

However, the most significant consequence of the injury is that Williamson will miss this summer's Women's World Cup. The England captain will be a huge miss as the European champions, one of the favourites to win the tournament, pursue another international trophy.

Article continues below

IN THREE PHOTOS:

Leah Williamson Arsenal injury 2022-23Getty ImagesLeah Williamson Arsenal medical staff 2022-23Getty ImagesSarina Wiegman England Women 2022Getty

WHAT NEXT? Arsenal will look to end their season strongly without Williamson, who extends a long injury list. Meanwhile, Sarina Wiegman, the England head coach, will need to set about planning for the World Cup without her skipper.

Advertisement