Arsenal boss gives 'potential' injury return date of England captain Leah Williamson

Arsenal and England star Leah Williamson is closing on a return to first team action after almost a year out injured, according to Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall.

The 26-year-old Lionesses skipper has been out of action since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United last April and was forced to miss the Women's World Cup the following summer but is edging closer to a return to first team football with Arsenal.

The Gunners take on Everton tomorrow as they Women's Super League (WSL) makes a return following the winter break and the Swedish boss was asked how far he believes the Lionesses captain is away from a return to the pitch.

"She is not far from a return. She is too tight for tomorrow's match but she could be selected for the next match" before adding that she could "potentially" be back in the squad for the midweek clash with Reading in the Continental Cup.

Williamson recently spoke exclusively to The Telegraph earlier in the week about her recent injury where she issued a stark warning for women's football, saying: "Football's schedule is unsustainable. Soon you won't have players to watch" as she questioned the hectic scheduling that is current prevalent within the game.

A return for Williamson would be huge for both club and country with Arsenal battling it out to nab the WSL trophy from the grasp of neighbours Chelsea, while Millie Bright's injury means she may not be available as England head into friendly action next month.

Elsewhere, it has been confirmed that Kathrine Kuhl - who joined Everton on loan last week - will be ineligible to face her parent club this weekend. Michelle Agyemang, Laila Harbert, and Katie Reid, who are all on loan with Watford from Arsenal, were allowed to play in last week's FA Cup clash between the sides, however, Danish midfield Kuhl has not been offered the same availability.