Arsenal and England's Leah Williamson is set to miss the start of the Women's Super League (WSL) season due to a knee injury. The injury, sustained during England's Euro 2025 final victory against Spain last month, required a minor surgical procedure.

The 28-year-old defender reported back to Arsenal with swelling in her right knee, which led her to miss the club's pre-season tour in Germany. Following examinations, it was determined that she needed a procedure to address the issue. The surgery was successfully performed last week, and Williamson has already commenced her rehabilitation. However, she is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.

While the club initially feared Williamson could be out for months, those concerns have been allayed. Although the surgery was performed on the same knee in which she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in April 2023, the two injuries are not directly related. That previous ACL injury kept her off the field for nine months, causing her to miss the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. She made her return to action in January 2024.

Williamson's absence is a significant blow for Arsenal as they prepare for a demanding start to their WSL campaign. Arsenal, who won the Champions League last season, will begin their WSL season against London City Lionesses on September 6. In their first six games, they are also scheduled to face Manchester United and Manchester City, as well as a Champions League opener.

Williamson had captained England to back-to-back Euro titles. She was seen on crutches at Arsenal's training ground on Thursday, a visual reminder of her current setback. Despite the injury, Williamson is reported to be in good spirits.