Leah Williamson has sustained a calf injury and will be out of action this weekend. Just when she got back from her last injury..

Leah Williamson has sustained a calf injury that will rule her out of action this weekend, delivering a setback for both club and country as the defender continues a carefully managed return to peak condition.

The England captain was withdrawn from training earlier in the week after reporting tightness in her calf, with subsequent assessment confirming a minor strain. While the injury is not considered serious, medical staff have opted for a cautious approach, prioritising recovery over short-term availability. As a result, Williamson will not feature in the upcoming fixture, with a return date to be determined on a game-by-game basis.

Williamson’s absence is a notable blow given her importance at the heart of the defence. Renowned for her composure on the ball, positional intelligence, and leadership qualities, she plays a central role in organising the back line and initiating build-up play from deep. Her experience has been particularly valuable during a period of squad rotation and heavy scheduling.

This latest issue comes as Williamson continues to rebuild rhythm following a long spell on the sidelines in recent seasons. Both club and England staff have been aligned in managing her workload, mindful of the demands of the calendar and the importance of having her fully fit for decisive stages later in the campaign. The decision to rest her this weekend reflects that longer-term view.

In her absence, the coaching staff are expected to reshuffle defensive options, with opportunities opening up for squad players to step into a leadership role. While the team has sufficient depth to cope in the short term, Williamson’s calm authority and tactical awareness are qualities that are difficult to replicate.

Further updates on her condition are expected after the weekend, once she has responded to treatment and light training. For now, the focus remains on ensuring a full recovery, with the hope that the enforced break will allow Williamson to return stronger and ready to make a sustained impact in the weeks ahead.