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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Williamson ruled out of Arsenal's WSL opener</li><li>Makes her a doubt for crucial Champions League qualifier</li><li>Russo also on bench for clash with Man City</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Arsenal star Leah Williamson ruled out of Gunners' huge WSL opener with Manchester City as Lionesses team-mate Alessia Russo drops to the bench in surprise team selection

Tottenham Hotspur Women

Arsenal Women

<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/leah-williamson-injury-update-arsenal-jonas-eidevall-wsl-manchester-city/bltc7f5b1a39917618f" target="_blank">The Lionesses' captain was expected to be in contention to start Sunday's match after recovering from a problem that reduced her to the role of a substitute for Wednesday's Champions League qualifying defeat to Hacken</a>. However, when Arsenal's team news was announced on the day of the fixture, she was absent from the squad entirely due to concussion protocol.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The Gunners are a little lighter when it comes to senior centre-backs this year, due to Amanda Ilestedt announcing her pregnancy in March and just this week giving birth to her first child. Lotte Wubben-Moy, Williamson's England team-mate, and Laia Codina, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/spain-queens-world-football-winners-losers-aitana-bonmati-england-lioneeses-lucy-bronze-world-cup-final/blt04b557c79149dd42" target="_blank">who won the World Cup with Spain last year</a>, were head coach Jonas Eidevall's choice of pairing on Sunday, with Katie Reid, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/katie-reid-arsenal-england-leah-williamson-teenager-praise-lionesses-captain/blt03b361a887b4b516" target="_blank">a very talented academy product</a>, the only other player in the squad who is a natural in the position.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Eidevall also chose to start Sunday's game with Stina Blackstenius leading the line, rather than Lionesses striker Alessia Russo. Speaking to <em>Sky Sports</em> ahead of the clash, he explained that this was because he felt Man City had a weakness in defending the 'transitional moments' that Blackstenius could help to exploit.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>How long Williamson will be in concussion protocol for is unclear at the moment but it raises concerns for Arsenal ahead of a huge match on Thursday, when they play the second leg of that European qualifier with Hacken. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/arsenal-player-ratings-hacken-womens-champions-league-alessia-russo-katie-mccabe/blt291b06371ad3932b" target="_blank">The Gunners are 1-0 down</a> so will need to win by two goals or more if they are to reach the Champions League group stages - and could be without their star defender as they aim to do so.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR WILLIAMSON AND ARSENAL?

Arsenal star Leah Williamson ruled out of Gunners' huge WSL opener with Manchester City as Lionesses team-mate Alessia Russo drops to the bench in surprise team selection | Goal.com

Arsenal star Leah Williamson has been ruled out of the Gunners&apos; huge Women&apos;s Super League opener with Manchester City due to concussion protocol.

Arsenal star Leah Williamson ruled out of Gunners&apos; huge WSL opener with Manchester City as Lionesses team-mate Alessia Russo drops to the bench in surprise team selection