Leah Williamson eyeing Lionesses comeback after long-awaited Arsenal return

England skipper ended her nine-month injury absence as the Gunners thrashed Reading in the League Cup
Return: Captain Leah Williamson was back in Arsenal action against Reading on Wednesday
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Leah Williamson has set her sights on getting back in the Lionesses squad after making her comeback for Arsenal on Wednesday.

The England captain made her first appearance in nine months by coming off the bench for the final 30 minutes of the Gunners’ 6-0 win over Reading in the League Cup.

Williamson injured her knee in April last year and was forced to miss last summer’s World Cup.

The centre-back is itching to get back playing for the Lionesses, who are due to play two friendlies abroad next month.

“I love playing football for Arsenal. Everyone knows how much I love the club, I am going to get emotional if I talk about it too much,” Williamson told Sky Sports. “I’m happy to be back and [will] try to help my team.

“I’ve missed playing for England as well, so hopefully I can get myself back in contention and see what happens.

“It’s been a long journey but it has gone really quickly. The girls I’ve had around me - it’s special. Special people get you through tough times.”

Williamson impressed on her return against Reading and she set up Beth Mead to score Arsenal’s fifth goal, with the forward emphatically finishing off a long ball over the top.

“I think she gave me an assist,” said Williamson. “I can’t claim anything to do with that goal whatsoever!”

The win means Arsenal are confirmed as the winners of Group D and have progressed to the quarter-finals.

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