Leah Williamson is back! Arsenal star makes long-awaited return from agonising ACL injury layoff as Lionesses captain is deemed fit enough for bench in Reading FA WSL Cup clash

Leah Williamson is back in the Arsenal squad for their Women’s League Cup clash against Reading on Wednesday after a lengthy spell out with injury.

The England international has been out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury since April but was deemed fit enough for Wednesday’s clash. She was named on the bench for the group stage match.

The 26-year-old’s return comes as a big boost for the Gunners. She made 10 Women’s Super League appearances for the north London team before her season-ending injury in April last year. The untimely blow ensured the England captain missed out as the Lionesses reached the World Cup final.

• Arsenal are top of Group D with eight points, while Reading sit bottom with two and are already eliminated from the competition. The Gunners are the reigning champions, having won the tournament for the sixth time last season.

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• Willliamson will hope coach Jonas Eidevall calls on her to make her first appearance for the club in the clash against Reading as the north London team look to defend their lead in Group D and progress to the quarter-finals of the competition