Progressing well’ – Arsenal ‘hope’ to have Lionesses captain Leah Williamson back before Christmas as England star continues recovery from injury sustained at Euro 2025.

‘Progressing well’ – Arsenal ‘hope’ to have Lionesses captain Leah Williamson back before Christmas as England star continues recovery from injury sustained at Euro 2025.

 

Arsenal Women are hopeful that their captain, England skipper Leah Williamson, will return to the squad before Christmas after undergoing surgery on a knee injury sustained during UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. According to club and media updates, her rehabilitation is “progressing well” and the target is set for sometime in November or December.

The Injury & Surgery

Williamson sustained swelling in her right knee after playing the full 120 minutes (including the shoot-out) in the Euro 2025 final.

Scans revealed a joint issue rather than another ACL rupture, and she underwent a “clean-up” procedure to remove debris and relieve irritation.

Importantly, this knee issue is not deemed to be a fresh anterior cruciate ligament tear—though her right knee was the site of an ACL injury in April 2023.

Status & Timeline

Club boss Renée Slegers confirmed that everything is going according to plan, and they are optimistic about having Williamson back into full training around November or December.

Initial reports had emphasised “several weeks” out after surgery.

A recent update reaffirmed: barring setbacks, she is expected to return before Christmas, giving the club and international team a crucial boost.

Significance for Arsenal & England

Williamson plays a key leadership role for both club and country. Her return would bolster Arsenal’s back-line stability and leadership depth in what promises to be a demanding campaign. On the international front, her presence as captain of England women’s national football team remains pivotal for major tournament cycles ahead.

Things to Monitor

Although the surgery was relatively minor compared to ACL reconstruction, the fact her knee has history means the club will be cautious about her reintroduction.

“Return to training” does not mean an immediate return to full match minutes: Williamson is likely to be eased in to minimise re-injury risk.

The exact date of her first appearance remains fluid—November/December is a target, but recovery is inherently unpredictable in football, especially with previous major injury.

Both Arsenal and England staff will likely manage her minutes carefully once she returns, prioritising long-term fitness over a hasty comeback.

Final Word

In summary: It’s good news for Arsenal and England that Williamson’s recovery is on track and that the club is hopeful of a return before Christmas. While the timeline is optimistic, her club are being sensible and realistic. If all goes well, fans could see her back in action around late year—just ahead of the busy winter period.