After celebrating a successful comeback from a long-term ACL injury, Leah Williamson experienced a second terrible event at the gym: she suffered another knee injury that required surgery.

England & Arsenal captain Leah Williamson suffers knee setback after ACL comeback.

 

 

 

The promising comeback story of England and Arsenal Women’s captain Leah Williamson has reached a painful new chapter. After bravely returning from a major anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, Williamson has now suffered a second significant knee setback, undergoing a surgical “clean-up” procedure that will keep her on the sidelines yet again.

The journey so far

Williamson first faced one of football’s most feared injuries in April 2023, when she ruptured her ACL while playing for Arsenal Women in the Women’s Super League (WSL).

That blow ruled her out of the 2023 Women’s World Cup and marked a long rehabilitation period.

Despite the odds, she made her return to the national squad in April 2024.

Her leadership on and off the pitch helped England maintain momentum, and she re-established herself as a key figure for both club and country.

The new setback

In July 2025, during the final of UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 where England defeated Spain, Williamson completed the full 120 minutes and the penalty shoot-out triumph.

Shortly thereafter, swelling developed in her right knee (the same knee that had suffered the ACL tear). Initial scans revealed the need for a minor surgical intervention — described by sources as a “clean-up” procedure on cartilage or minor internal injury rather than a full ligament reconstruction.

According to reports published in August 2025, Williamson is set to miss the start of the 2025-26 WSL season as she recovers from the operation.

Repercussions and reaction

This setback, although less severe than a full ACL rupture, is nonetheless a serious blow given Williamson’s recent history and her status as captain of both the national team and Arsenal. It disrupts the momentum she had built following her comeback, and raises fresh questions about knee-health, athlete management, and risk of recurring injury in elite women’s football.

Arsenal Women will have to adjust at the back. With Williamson sidelined, the club may rely more heavily on alternatives such as Lotte Wubben‑Moy. Meanwhile, the England women’s national football team will feel the absence of their skipper’s experience and leadership during the coming months.

Williamson herself has spoken in past about the psychological and physical toll of such injuries. >

> “Instantly I knew, that was my World Cup, gone, bang.”

The new injury, though of a different nature, undoubtedly brings frustration given the hard work she has invested in returning to top form.

What’s next?

Medical staff will now manage Williamson’s recovery carefully. The hope is that the clean-up procedure allows her to return smoothly without undergoing a full ligament reconstruction — but rehabilitation, fitness rebuilding, and match-readiness will still take time. Preservation of her long-term health is likely to take precedence over a rushed return.

For Arsenal and England, the challenge will be to maintain defensive solidity and leadership in her absence. The next few months will be crucial: how Williamson recovers may influence her role, playing time, and possibly her durability at the highest level.

Final word

Leah Williamson’s story remains one of resilience, but this latest knee issue is a difficult setback. After surmounting an ACL tear and staging a return to the highest level, she now faces another pause. The handling of this period will be vital — not just for her club and country, but for her own long-term career. Support, patience, and measured return will be key as the football world waits for their captain back in full strength.