England captain Leah Williamson ruled out of World Cup

England captain Leah Wiliamson will miss the 2023 Women’s World Cup after Arsenal confirmed the defender ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in a WSL defeat by Manchester United on Wednesday night.

Williamson went to floor in ache after 11 minutes of the match at Leigh Sports Village, and was carried off the sector on a stretcher. The 26-year-old now faces surgical procedure earlier than an extended highway to restoration, and can miss the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which begins in July.

“We can confirm that Leah Williamson suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in our Barclays Women’s Super League match against Manchester United on Wednesday night,” Arsenal mentioned in an announcement on Friday.

“Leah was substituted in the first half of the game at Leigh Sports Village and underwent further assessment on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury. Leah will now begin a period of rehabilitation and is set for an extended spell on the sidelines. She will undergo surgery in due course.

“Everyone at Arsenal will be supporting Leah closely throughout the journey ahead and we would ask that her privacy is respected at this time.”

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