Arsenal’s Leah Williamson withdraws from England squad ahead of clashes with Austria and Italy
LEAH WILLIAMSON’S England return has been halted by an injury that led the Euros winner to withdraw from the Lionesses squad.
The Arsenal ace missed the Gunners’ 3-1 defeat of Manchester United at the Emirates on Saturday following a hamstring strain.
After his side’s win Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall hinted at Williamson’s withdrawal from Wiegman’s 23-strong group ahead of their first two international fixtures this year.
The Gunners gaffer revealed the Lionesses skipper would miss his team’s clash with United due to a “minor” hamstring issue.
England are due to play Austria on February 23 and Italy on February 27 in friendly duels at the Estadio Nuevo Mirador Algeciras in Spain.
Earlier today the FA confirmed Man United’s Millie Turner will be replacing Williamson in Sarina Wiegman’s group.
Turner’s inclusion in England’s squad comes three months after her recall to the national team before England’s Women’s Nations League clashes with the Netherlands and Scotland.
Last November the Red Devils defender was called up to replace injured Lionesses vice-captain Millie Bright.
Turner and her England team-mates will travel to Marbella, Spain on Monday ahead of the start of England’s warm weather camp.
Williamson’s call up this month was her first Lionesses recall since her recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained last April.
The England skipper, who has 43 senior caps, ruptured a knee ligament weeks after leading her team to a Women’s Finalissima win against Brazil.
Williamson’s Gunners’ team-mate Lotte Wubben-Moy is among eight defenders included the Lionesses squad this month.
The team’s games against Austria and Italy are being used part of their preparations for Euros 2025 qualifiers in April.