Arsenal defender Leah Williamson is to return to motion for the primary time for the reason that Euro 2025 closing following a four-month absence by damage.

The England captain is anticipated to play for “a few minutes” in Arsenal’s Girls’s Champions League recreation towards FC Twente on Tuesday night, supervisor Renee Slegers mentioned.

Williamson was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Saturday.

The 28-year-old has been absent since Euro 2025 – when she led the Lionesses to back-to-back titles – attributable to a knee damage which required a small, clean-up operation.

“She’s been coaching with the group and was within the squad towards Liverpool simply to get again into her routine and it was good to have her round,” mentioned Slegers.

“She is doing nicely and did the total session once more right now. She is obtainable for a few minutes tomorrow (Tuesday, 20:00 GMT). She will not begin however she can be within the squad.”

Throughout her absence Arsenal have struggled to search out the shape which guided them to the Girls’s Champions League title underneath Slegers final season.

They presently sit eight factors off Girls’s Tremendous League leaders Manchester Metropolis and are tenth within the league part desk of the European competitors with two wins from 4 matches.

“In fact it was unlucky for her to maintain that damage within the Euros and she or he needed to work arduous to return again from it,” added Slegers.

“She is in a very good place and has been spending numerous time on the pitch. Perhaps the timing of the worldwide break prolonged that as there was no alternative to coach in massive teams with 11 v 11 and in chaotic moments.

“However she may be very prepared and we can be very glad to have her again. The gamers who’ve been enjoying have been doing very well.”

Arsenal captain Kim Little has additionally recovered from a calf damage, coming off the bench within the 69th minute towards Liverpool.

Slegers didn’t rule out a begin for Little towards FC Twente however mentioned the membership need to be “actually good” in managing her return to full health.

The return of skilled gamers might present a lift to Slegers’ aspect, who’ve work to do to qualify for the knockout phases of the Champions League.

Requested if confidence was low within the squad, Slegers mentioned: “I feel that is a phrase we do not actually discuss. We consider along with your actions, you’ll be able to create momentum.

“In fact, once you take a look at the second half of final season how simple issues have been for us and that we have been in a circulation state, scoring numerous objectives, then if that is completely different or more durable, then in fact it’s important to work even more durable from a psychological side to verify everybody feels good and believes in what we’re doing. I feel that is been glorious from the squad.”