Arsenal key player return teased as team-mate drops huge social media hint

The England captain has been sidelined since mid-October, when she was forced to withdraw from international duties after sustaining a foot injury in training.

Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall subsequently revealed that the defender would be out for ‘several weeks’, which came as a huge blow to fans as Williamson’s centre-back partner Rafaelle Souza is also out, recovering from a fractured metatarsal.

The pair’s absence has gifted Lotte Wubben-Moy a way into Eidevall’s starting line-up, with Steph Catley shuffling across from left back to join her at centre-half. Arsenal’s performances have been mixed since the duo’s injuries - in eight games, they have kept three clean sheets and conceded seven goals, notably thrasing Champions League holders Olympique Lyon 5-1 and letting their unbeaten Women’s Super League record drop with a 3-2 home defeat to title rivals Manchester United.

Since star attacker Beth Mead’s season has been lost to an ACL injury, the option of having Williamson available for selection again would come as sweet relief for Eidevall.

On Tuesday, Rafaelle shared an Instagram post which hinted that Williamson has taken a significant step forward on her recovery journey.

Snapping a selfie with 18-year-old defender Teyah Goldie, who is currently working her way back from an ACL rupture, Rafaelle wrote: “Good sesh today.”.

The Brazilian star then tagged Williamson and asked “where are you bro?” , suggesting that the 25-year-old may have rejoined team training after a stint working separately with her injured team-mates.

Gunners fans were also excited by a tweet shared to the Arsenal Women Twitter account which implied that Williamson could be on the verge of her 200th appearance.

@JunglePerrie: LEAH BACK ON SATURDAY CONFIRMED.

@GeorWan: She's in contention this coming weekend right.

@Leahs_awfcx: I cannot wait any longer.

@Monifacy77: OMG BRING OUR QUEEN BACK ON THE PITCH!!!

@Daydreaming27_: We Love You Leah!!!!

@JimMacfly: Get back on the pitch sooooooon! It's not the same without Leah!

On Saturday, Arsenal could reclaim the top spot with a Women’s Super League win over Everton. The second-placed Gunners are tied on 18 points with Manchester United, and both sides have a game in hand over league leaders Chelsea, who better their tally by three points.