Catch “Out of Office with Leah Williamson,” the Arsenal defender and England’s captain, on Football Focus via Sport Newes Center’s website and YouTube this Saturday, December 9th.
Women’s Super League Showdown: Arsenal vs. Chelsea
Location: Emirates Stadium, London Date: Sunday, December 10th Time: 12:30 PM GMT
Catch it live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, and the Sport Newes Center website & app; live text commentary also available on the same platforms.
Leah Williamson, the esteemed captain of England’s national team, has openly shared her challenging journey while recovering from a significant knee injury.
Now seven months into her recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, the 26-year-old Williamson reflects on her experience since sustaining the injury in April during a Women’s Super League match.
“Life has flipped for me. From enjoying the best job globally, I now face a daily task that’s less than desirable,” Williamson remarked.
The injury, unfortunately, caused her to miss the eagerly anticipated summer World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, a significant setback following her leading the Lionesses to victory in the 2022 Euros.
“Injury is more than just a physical setback. It’s not just about missing major events like the World Cup. It’s a daily battle, a situation I never wanted to be in,” she expressed in a BBC interview.
Leah Williamson: The New Face of Women’s Football
This injury occurred just half a year after her England teammate, Beth Mead, suffered a similar ACL injury.
“As a professional athlete, you’re accustomed to constant pressure and stimulation,” Williamson added. “Now, suddenly, I find myself without that pressure, living life at my own pace, on my terms.”
By September, Williamson had resumed gym workouts and individual training sessions with Arsenal, despite the lengthy recovery process.
She used this time off the field to explore new hobbies and cherish moments with loved ones.
“While I miss being on the field, this period has allowed me to engage in different life activities and spend time with those dear to me,” she said.
In this time, Williamson even learned to play the piano, culminating in a performance with the BBC Concert Orchestra at Maida Vale Studios.
“I took on this challenge to recreate the high-pressure environment I’m used to, preparing myself emotionally for my return to football,” she explained.
“This phase has been the toughest part of my rehab, providing a welcome distraction during a period of hard work without immediate rewards, as the pitch still remains far in the future.”
Williamson aspires to rejoin the Gunners before the season concludes. However, there’s no major tournament lined up for the Lionesses next summer, with Team GB not qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“I wanted to ensure that post-injury, I could look back and see that I had accomplished and learned something significant, even if it was a crash course,” Williamson stated.
“I’ve gone from a novice at the piano to being able to read music and manage all its complexities.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Leah Williamson Recovery
Who is Leah Williamson?
Leah Williamson is the captain of the England national women’s football team and a defender for Arsenal. She’s known for her leadership on the pitch and her significant contributions to women’s football.
What injury did Leah Williamson suffer from?
Leah Williamson suffered from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in April while playing for Arsenal in the Women’s Super League.
How long is Leah Williamson’s expected recovery time?
The expected recovery time for Leah Williamson’s ACL injury is about nine months.
What major football event did Leah Williamson miss due to her injury?
Leah Williamson missed the summer World Cup in Australia and New Zealand due to her ACL injury.
What new hobby did Leah Williamson take up during her recovery?
During her recovery, Leah Williamson took up playing the piano, including a performance with the BBC Concert Orchestra at Maida Vale Studios.
What is Leah Williamson’s goal regarding her return to football?
Leah Williamson hopes to return to playing for Arsenal before the current season ends, despite there being no major tournament next summer for the Lionesses.
More about Leah Williamson Recovery
- Leah Williamson’s Profile
- Understanding ACL Injuries
- Women’s Super League
- BBC Concert Orchestra
- Arsenal Women’s Football Club
- England Women’s National Team
- Overview of the Women’s World Cup
- Benefits of Playing the Piano
5 comments
i always admired Leah for her strength, not just as a player but as a person. she’s a role model to young girls everywhere
it’s such a shame she missed the World Cup, would’ve been great to see her play. Hope she gets back on the field soon
wow, Leah’s journey’s really inspiring!! Shows you can turn a tough situation into something positive, learning piano and all that…
That’s cool she took up piano, music’s a great way to heal and cope. Can’t imagine learning it so quickly tho!
acl injuries are no joke, props to her for dealing with it so well. Arsenal needs her back ASAP!