Leah Williamson suffers World Cup injury scare as Manchester United beat Arsenal to extend lead in Women’s Super League

Manchester United beat Arsenal 1-0 to go four points clear in the Women’s Super League, but the match was overshadowed by an injury to England captain Leah Williamson. Alessia Russo, who was pursued by Arsenal in the January transfer window, scored the only goal of the game on the stroke of half-time after she was set up by former Gunner Nikita Parris. Ad Marc Skinner’s side held on in the second half to earn a valuable three points and stretch their advantage over Chelsea at the top of the table.

FootballWilliamson returns as England squad announced for Arnold Clark Cup07/02/2023 AT 17:32 The decisive goal came 30 minutes after Williamson went down with an injury to her right knee, which seemed to buckle underneath her as she went in for a challenge with Katie Zelem. There is concern for Williamson with the women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand less than 100 days away. Arsenal players Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema are both currently sidelined with long-term anterior cruciate ligament injuries, and Williamson looks to be the latest addition to the Gunners’ ever-growing injury list.

The 27-year-old managed to limp off without the aid of a stretcher but looked in great discomfort as she hobbled down the tunnel. Williamson captained England to victory at Euro 2022 last summer and has played 43 times for her country. The Lionesses start their World Cup campaign with a Group D match against Haiti on July 22, before facing Denmark and China.