Arsenal captain Leah Williamson has withdrawn from the England squad, with Manchester United defender Millie Turner called up as her replacement.
Williamson was a surprise absentee from Arsenal’s matchday squad for their Women’s Super League (WSL) game against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. The club said she was missing due to a “minor hamstring injury”.
Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall was then asked about whether Williamson will have to withdraw from England duty after his side’s 3-1 win and replied: “Yeah, I think it’s likely that would be the case.”
Sarina Wiegman’s England side are due to face against Italy, on Friday, February 23, and Austria, on Tuesday, February 27 in two friendlies.
Turner will replace Williamson in the England squad (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Williamson has only just returned from the anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) she sustained in April 2023. The defender has only played three matches in all competitions before this latest injury setback.
Arsenal were comfortable winners against United even despite Williamson’s absence, with the hosts 3-0 up at half-time following an own goal from Geyse, a Cloe Lacasse header and a Kim Little penalty. Lucia Garcia scored a consolation from United in the sixth minute of second-half added time.
The win sees Arsenal close the gap to three points to WSL leaders Chelsea, who lost 1-0 at home against second-placed Manchester City on Friday.
(Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
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