Leah Williamson has undergone a minor knee procedure that will rule her out for the opening weeks of the Women’s Super League season.
BASEL, SWITZERLAND - JULY 27: Leah Williamson celebrates with teammate Beth Mead of England following their side's victory in the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Final match between England and Spain at St. Jakob-Park on July 27, 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images
The defender returned to the club at the end of pre-season but, according to reports, continued to experience swelling. A scan confirmed the need for an operation, which was carried out successfully, with her rehabilitation already underway.
While the club have not detailed the precise nature of the procedure, the description of a “clean-up”, as reported by Tim Stillman, suggests an arthroscopic intervention, often used to address lingering irritation in a previously injured knee.
In practical terms, such operations can involve smoothing frayed cartilage, trimming a meniscus, or removing loose fragments of bone or tissue that may be causing swelling and discomfort. These are routine procedures for elite footballers who have endured high-intensity schedules or major previous injuries.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 01: Leah Williamson of Arsenal, wearing a knee support for their ACL injury, acknowledges the fans as they walk with players of Arsenal after their side's defeat to VfL Wolfsburg during the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final 2nd leg match between Arsenal and VfL Wolfsburg at Emirates Stadium on May 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images
The injury, sustained in the Euro 2025 final defeat to Spain, affects the same knee in which Williamson suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in 2023.
Given the timing and the fact that it is not regarded as a direct link to her ACL, recovery windows from these procedures are typically measured in weeks, with a return to training often possible inside four to six weeks depending on how the knee responds.
Arsenal begin their WSL campaign at the Emirates on 6 September against London City Lionesses.
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