Leah Williamson says she can see 'light at the end of the tunnel’ with the Arsenal and England captain providing an update on her return from injury.
The Gunners go to Juventus in the Champions League this week without Williamson, who also missed the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United last Saturday. The 25-year-old has not featured for Jonas Eidevall’s team since sustaining a foot injury last month, although has now returned to training.
The Lionesses skipper last played for her club in a 1-0 win over Ajax that ensured Arsenal qualified for the group stage. However, the defender has missed the subsequent two international breaks with England since then.
But Williamson, speaking ahead of an unveiling of artwork celebrating Helen Hardy, the founder of Manchester Laces football club, said that after a tough time away from the pitch she was closing in on a recovery.
“It has been a tricky one to overcome,” she said. “It’s not been the smoothest ride from the start but I’m making good progress now.
“Hopefully that light at the end of the tunnel is close for me now. I’m on the grass training now and look forward to getting back on the pitch. I definitely don’t think I’m too far away.”
Williamson admitted that missing international duty with the Lionesses twice since she was hit with injury has been tough. Aside from occasional contact with individual players, the skipper revealed she needed to keep a distance from the group in order to not focus on the negatives of missing out.
However, after leading England to a European Championship in the summer, Williamson said she was pleased to watch from a distance as the national team finished off 2022 unbeaten, ahead of their quest for World Cup glory next summer.
“It’s never easy watching when you’re injured,” she added. “I loved going to the England -USA game in October but when I saw them walk out onto the pitch to warm-up it hurts my heart a little bit.
“But I don’t have much contact with them when I’m not there, and it is important the environment stays current and present. My job is just to get back as soon as possible to give myself a chance of being involved again.
“Although it’s difficult (been injured) I really enjoyed watching the team last month. The Japan game in particular was great to see. The girls look like they are enjoying themselves and playing freely.
“When I think about why I miss playing football, that is number one - when you are in a team that gives you the chance to express yourself.
“They (the Lionesses) did really well, to go unbeaten and give out so many debuts over the two games, that was really great to see.”
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