12 January 2024 , 14:58
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Lionesses captain Leah Williamson is "not too far off from returning to play", according to Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall.
The Gunners defender became the latest high-profile women's footballer to suffer an anterior cruciate ligament injury when she went down during Arsenal's Women's Super League clash with Manchester United in April.
The 26-year-old was subsequently ruled out of the summer's Women's World Cup with England as she bids to return to fitness. And eight months into an expected nine-month rehabilitation, Williamson is expected to return to the competitive fold for the final crunch months of Arsenal's domestic campaign.
"She's been basically returning to full training now so that's very pleasing," said Eidevall on Friday. "She needs a little bit more of that and after that, we can introduce her to game minutes as well. Leah is going very well, shouldn't be too far off from returning to play."
Eidevall's side currently sit third in the WSL table, three points off leaders Chelsea and level on points with Manchester City. Following the winter break, the Gunners face second-tier Watford in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.
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Williamson's imminent return will mark the latest significant boost to Eidevall's squad, which was incomparably ravaged by injury last season. The Gunners have already begun to relish the return of attacking duo Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema from their respective ACL injuries, with the former providing a crucial assist in Arsenal's comeback victory over Aston Villa at the Emirates in October.
Reflecting on her potential return, Williamson expressed her anticipation to provide something new to the squad following her long-term absence.
Leah Williamson helped Arsenal defeat Chelsea in last year's Conti Cup final (Photo by Naomi Baker - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)"I do joke about it because now I'm like I'm looking forward to being a new signing," she told Sky Sports' Three Players and a Podcast in September. "When I come back, I have a responsibility to add to my team. [I think] 'How do I come back? How do I add to them?'.
"I joked today about taking pictures and stuff, I don't need a picture in the kit, take it in January when I'm back when I'm coming back to offer something.
"Everyone came back from the World Cup, and it's quite nice to have people around. I do prefer it being quieter in the gym, but then everyone left again, and it's probably the first time I've really missed football. I'm trying not to be negative."