Arsenal and England captain Leah Williamson is poised to make her first appearance since the Euro 2025 final, marking the end of a four-month injury absence. Manager Renee Slegers confirmed that the 28-year-old defender is expected to feature briefly—"a couple of minutes"—in Tuesday’s UEFA Women’s Champions League fixture against FC Twente.
Williamson was named on the bench for Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Liverpool at the weekend but did not take to the pitch. Her absence dates back to the summer, when she captained the Lionesses to a historic second consecutive European title before undergoing a minor knee clean-up procedure.
"She’s been training with the team and was included against Liverpool to help rebuild her matchday routine," Slegers said. "She won’t start, but she’s available to play a few minutes. She’s doing well and trained fully again today."
Her return comes at a pivotal moment for Arsenal. The defending European champions have struggled to replicate last season’s dominance, sitting eight points behind WSL leaders Manchester City and currently 10th in the Champions League league-phase standings with two wins from four games.
Slegers acknowledged the challenges posed by Williamson’s recovery period, noting that the international break slowed her integration back into full-contact training. However, she emphasised that the defender is now in a strong position to contribute again.
"It was unfortunate she was injured at the Euros, but she’s worked incredibly hard. She’s in a good place—ready, sharp, and hungry to return," the manager added. "We’re very happy to have her back, though the players filling in have performed well."
Arsenal may also receive another significant boost, with Kim Little nearing full fitness after a calf injury. The midfielder made a second-half appearance against Liverpool, and while Slegers did not confirm whether she will start against Twente, she stressed the importance of careful load management.
"We need to be smart with her progression," she said, highlighting the need to build Little back into regular minutes without risk.
The reintroduction of two senior leaders could prove decisive as Arsenal look to regain momentum and secure a Champions League knockout place. Confidence, Slegers insisted, is less a concern than the effort required to rediscover rhythm.
"Momentum comes from action," she said. "Last season’s flow made things look effortless, but when challenges appear, you must work harder—mentally and physically—to stay aligned. The commitment from the squad has been excellent."
With Williamson’s long-awaited return and Little edging closer to full match readiness, Arsenal enter Tuesday’s tie hopeful of turning renewed squad strength into on-field recovery.
