Leah Williamson speaks out after injury cuts short her World Cup journey

Leah Williamson has put out the first statement following the news that she will be injured for the World Cup, and it's heartbreaking.

During Arsenal's significant WSL match against Manchester United earlier this week, England captain Leah Williamson caused concern among fans when she was forced to leave the field due to an injury.

Just 15 minutes into the game, the midfielder had to limp off the pitch and a stretcher was even brought in, which made many fear the worst news regarding her injury.

On Friday afternoon, Arsenal confirmed the bad news that Leah Williamson had indeed suffered an ACL rupture, which will require months of rehabilitation and keep her out of action for a significant period.

The unfortunate update is that the 26-year-old player is now out of action due to the same injury as her Arsenal teammates Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema.

After the team officially announced the injury, Williamson posted on social media to express her emotions regarding the situation, indicating that it is an extremely challenging time for her.

"Until I have the words to express my feelings properly I will struggle to verbalise them," she said on Instagram.

"The noise around the situation is loud and I need some quiet to let it all sink in.

"Unfortunately the World Cup and Champions League dream is over for me and everyone will think that's the main focus, but it's the day to day of what I’m about to go through that is the most draining of my thoughts.

"I haven't had a day since last October when I’ve walked on to the pitch without a physical or mental question mark over me, and that's professional sports.

"So now I have to listen to my body, give it what it needs and if everything happens for a reason, then we'll see what road this turn sends me down.

"I have given and will continue to give everything that my body, mind and heart possibly has to the Arsenal and Lionesses, I will still be there through thick and thin for all of my teammates and their biggest supporter.

"I feel your love and support, so thank you! all I ask is for a little bit of time and space to deal with all that is to come...xxx."

The captain of the Lionesses received significant backing from the football community, as evidenced by the team's official account responding, "We are with you always."

Ian Wright added, "We love you."

England hero from the Euros final, Chloe Kelly, said, "With you all the way sending you so much love."

Aston Villa star Rachel Daly, posted, "Sending you all the love in the world Lele. You’ll be back better than ever xxx."

Mead, who will also miss this summer's tournament in Australia and New Zealand, took to Twitter to say, "We are with you every step of the way Leah Williamson. Even if I have to be quiet some days in rehab. We got you girl , all the love and strength in the world."

Miedema also had a similar thought, saying, "Gutted for you. Small steps every day and we can have some quiet rehab days together."

It is the latest in a long line of high profile ACL injuries in the women's game, with a number of factors contributing to the issue in women's sport as a whole.

Williamson will miss the end of the current campaign, with Arsenal still just in the title hunt, despite the loss to United, and in a Champions League semi-final against Wolfsburg, the first leg in Germany on Sunday.