'There's only one Leah Williamson' - Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall admits Lionesses captain has been impossible to replace amid ACL injury

• Defender missing since April
• Unlikely to return this year
• Arsenal boss rues injury woes

WHAT HAPPENED? The 26-year-old defender has been absent since April when she suffered an ACL injury in a WSL clash against Manchester United, which also cost her a place at this summer's World Cup. Eidevall explained that his side has struggled to adapt without Williamson, whose combination of defensive ability and passing range are a rare commodity.

WHAT THEY SAID: Eidevall told the BBC's Football Focus: "You don't build a squad where you have two Leah Williamsons, for example. There is only one Leah Williamson. When you have a player like her you decide to play in a way that makes the most out of it.

"That's really hard when you're trying to replace a player like that because there is not a direct replacement on the market. There might be a copy of Leah Williamson that's not as good and I don't believe in having a lesser version."

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Eidevall also revealed that it won't be until at least after Christmas before Williamson returns, although did share more promising news of another long-term injury with Beth Mead set to feature this weekend against Aston Villa after recovering from an ACL injury which also cost her a place at the World Cup.

IN TWO PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL? Another huge crowd is expected when Arsenal take on Aston Villa at the Emirates on Sunday, seeking their first win of the season.