Leah Williamson: England defender returns to Arsenal squad for WSL clash against Everton

Leah Williamson returns to Arsenal's matchday squad for their WSL clash with Everton on Saturday; defender has been sidelined since October after picking up an injury on England duty; Brazilian defender Rafaelle Souza also set to return in boost for Gunners

Arsenal Women head coach Jonas Eidevall confirms that Leah Williamson is now fit

Leah Williamson will return to Arsenal's matchday squad for their Women's Super League clash with Everton on Saturday.

Williamson has been out of action since October after picking up an injury while on England duty.

Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall confirmed Williamson's return in his pre-match news conference, and also revealed Brazilian defender Rafaelle Souza is also set to make her comeback from injury against Everton.

"Leah and Rafa are able to go back into the matchday squad tomorrow [Saturday]," Eidevall said.

"That's pleasing for us. We are starting to get players back from injury and we are improving numbers again in the squad. We've been looking forward to that."

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When asked if they could both start, he added: "They are in the matchday squad. The starting XI everyone will know tomorrow."

Arsenal's injury crisis easing

Image: Rafaelle Souza celebrates after heading Arsenal 3-0 in front against Tottenham

The Gunners have been ravaged by injuries in recent weeks with captain Kim Little (knee), England star Beth Mead (ACL) and Teyah Goldie (ACL) all set for significant spells on the sidelines, while forward Lina Hurtig (hamstring) has also been missing.

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The returns of Williamson and Souza are a welcome boost for Arsenal, who suffered their first WSL defeat of the season against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium last time out, and Eidevall insists the impact on the squad has been extremely positive.

He said: "When I see us practise and these two players coming into our environment, I think it helps us a lot because we get two more players of very high quality into our environment and our way of playing.

"Of course, that will boost any team and certainly it does for us."

He added: "When you see a player like Leah coming into the environment, you can definitely see what qualities she can bring on and off the ball, and with her leadership, absolutely.

"It's the same with Rafa. It is two quality players."

The Gunners currently sit second in the WSL, three points behind Chelsea with a game in hand.

'Williamson motivated to help team'

Image: Williamson was injured on England duty in October

Eidevall's side are also currently top of their Women's Champions League ahead of their clash with Juventus at Emirates Stadium next Wednesday.

Eidevall insists Williamson is motivated to help the team ahead of her return to action.

He said: "She's very motivated to get back onto the pitch, help the team and to achieve things on the pitch.

"With all the players that have been injured and are injured, their motivation has been really strong, and they are working really hard to get back into the team again and help the team again.

"One they are back on the pitch they are very happy to be there."

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