Leah Williamson's World Cup hopes at serious risk after suffering worrying injury

England captain Leah Williamson's hopes of playing at this summer's World Cup were cast into doubt on Wednesday night after she suffered a potentially serious injury.

The 26-year-old Arsenal defender went down in the 12th minute of their Women's Super League clash against Manchester United at Leigh Sports Village.

Williamson, who has earned 41 caps for her country, was quick to ask physios for treatment before the slapping the ground in frustration.

After the stretcher wasn't needed, she eventually stumbled off the pitch with the help of two medical staff – a worrying sign with less than 100 days to go before England's opener against Haiti on July 22.

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall gave fans an update on Williamson's injury in his post-match interview.

"I don't have too much information on it," he said. "Of course, it's not good that she has to come off.

"I think if you see the pitch here today, it is a pitch that has a lot more to ask for and I think it's going to continue here with the playing schedule. Playing on pitches like that, of course players are going to get injured.

"It is something we all need to improve on, the facilities where we play, if we want to keep the players on the pitch."

Eidevall went on to say he 'does not know the extent' of Williamson's injury but the defender left Leigh Sports Village on crutches.

Slowed it down and I'd say that's her ACL. Absolutely gutted for Leah Williamson. World Cup dreams look highly unlikely. Gutted. pic.twitter.com/h4mLiho9qg

— Sophie Hannah (@SophieThorpe) April 19, 2023

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner said he bumped into Williamson after the full-time whistle.

“Nobody wanted to see that." he said. "I’ve just seen her inside, she seemed in really high spirits. We obviously wish it’s something minor and just a precaution.

"We wish her all the best. We all want to see her lead the Lionesses in the summer.”

Here's how fans reacted to the injury.

One said: "Nightmare for Leah Williamson, Arsenal, and England with the World Cup around the corner. Immediate thought is ACL, really hope it isn’t," while another wrote: "Don’t like the look of that. Pray it’s not as bad as it looks."

A third added: "That was a tough one. Praying and hoping that Leah’s injury isn’t serious."

😬 Nightmare for Leah Williamson, Arsenal, and England with the World Cup around the corner

Immediate thought is ACL, really hope it isn’t

pic.twitter.com/JuSlgZybMZ

— Rory Talks Football (@Rory_Talks_Ball) April 19, 2023

Thoughts on Williamson's injury? Let us know in the comments.