Arsenal defender Leah Williamson is a step closer to making her return to action, having not played since the Euro 2025 final.
The 28-year-old has not made a single appearance this season after undergoing a minor knee operation in the summer.
Williamson’s last competitive appearance was when she captained England to glory in the final of Euro 2025.
Leah Williamson back training on grass after knee operation
Arsenal defender Leah Williamson has returned to training on grass, in a big step towards her recovery from the knee surgery she underwent in the summer.
Williamson underwent the surgery after sustaining the injury during the Euro 2025 final.
The Gunners posted photos of Williamson in training, raising excitement among Arsenal fans.
Williamson’s absence has played a huge part in Arsenal’s mixed start to the season.
Renee Slegers’ side have made some costly defensive errors so far this season. This hurt them in defeats against Manchester City in the Women’s Super League and Lyon in the Women’s Champions League.
Arsenal are five points behind Chelsea going into the clash between the two WSL title rivals this weekend.
Williamson will be hoping her side is still in contention when she does make her return to the starting XI.
Back on the grass đź’Ş
Stepping up the recovery, @leahcwilliamson ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VTL3IjCTcH
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) November 6, 2025
When will Williamson make her return?
Williamson is expected to make her return to action before Christmas, according to Arsenal head coach Slegers.
Slegers said in a press conference last month: “Everything is going forward as expected. We expect her to be and hope to have her back before the winter break.
“We expect somewhere in November, December that she might be back in full training. It’s a day-to-day, week-to-week thing.”
Arsenal have eight games to play before the winter break. The Gunners face Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool and Everton in the Women’s Super League.
The Gunners also face Bayern Munich, Twente, and OH Leuven in the Women’s Champions League. Their clash with Leuven will be Arsenal’s last match before the international break, on December 17th
Meanwhile, Williamson picked up a major European prize this month. It comes after she helped inspire Arsenal to Champions League glory, before winning Euro 2025 with England.
The centre-back won the Golden Women player prize, just days after she was named in the FIFPRO World 11.
Williamson was joined in the FIFPRO World 11 by teammates Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo. However, there was a surprise omission for Mariona Caldentey, who didn’t even make the shortlist.
