Leah Williamson makes return for Arsenal after nine-month injury lay-off

The 26-year-old returned to action having been sidelined since April by an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Pa Sport Staff
Wednesday 24 January 2024 17:38 EST
Comments
Leah Williamson returned to action on Wednesday after recovering from an ACL injury (Mike Egerton/PA)
Leah Williamson returned to action on Wednesday after recovering from an ACL injury (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Leah Williamson made her first appearance in nine months as the fit-again England captain came off the bench in Arsenal’s 6-0 League Cup win at Reading on Wednesday evening.

The 26-year-old returned to action having been sidelined since April by an anterior cruciate ligament injury, a lay-off that included missing England’s run to the final at the summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Williamson’s big moment came just past the hour mark at the Select Car Leasing Stadium as she replaced Jen Beattie.

And she went on to provide an assist for England team-mate Beth Mead – who in October made her own comeback after an ACL injury – when the winger made it 5-0 in the 80th minute with a superb strike.

The rout was completed by Stina Blackstenius wrapping up a hat-trick soon after in a contest that also saw Caitlin Foord and Laia Codina get on the scoresheet for Jonas Eidevall’s side.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in