England captain Leah Williamson to miss start of Arsenal's WSL season with knee injury

England captain Leah Williamson is set to miss the beginning of the new Women's Super League season due to a knee injury.

The Arsenal defender picked up the injury during England's victory over Spain in the European Championship final last month.

Upon returning to Arsenal, it was discovered that the 28 year old had swelling in her right knee, causing her to miss the club's pre-season tour of Germany. Following tests, it was determined she needed a procedure to address the issue, which was carried out last week.

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The operation was successful and Williamson has already started her recovery process. However, she is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.

Arsenal, who were crowned Champions League winners last season, will kick off their WSL campaign against London City Lionesses on 6 September.

Williamson made a comeback from a nine-month absence in January last year after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament in the same knee. It is understood that her current issue is not directly related.

She led England to consecutive Euro victories after her club teammate Chloe Kelly netted the winning penalty in a shootout against Spain on 27 July.