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Arsenal and England footballer Leah Williamson has taken a summer break in Ibiza with American model Elle Smith after being ruled out of the Lionesses’ most recent squad due to injury. The centre-back shared pictures from her sun-filled getaway while continuing her recovery from a frustrating fitness setback.

Williamson spends time away following injury disappointment

The Arsenal captain posted photos from her Ibiza trip, captioning them “IBZ”. After a demanding club and international season, she appeared to be making the most of some downtime. She was accompanied by Elle Smith, the American model who has been spotted with Williamson on several occasions.

This vacation follows shortly after Williamson had to withdraw from Sarina Wiegman’s latest England squad. Despite following a rehabilitation programme, she was eventually ruled out with a hamstring injury. Grace Fisk was called up as her replacement for fixtures against Spain and Ukraine.

Ongoing concerns over Williamson’s fitness

England head coach Sarina Wiegman has previously emphasised the importance of managing Williamson’s recovery carefully. She explained that the medical team does not want to take “massive risks” as the defender continues working towards full match fitness. The recent injury setback adds to a challenging period for the Arsenal star, who has faced a string of fitness issues since recovering from a long-term knee injury. Recurrent muscular problems have repeatedly hampered her ability to maintain consistency for both club and country.

Another hurdle in a stop-start spell

Despite these setbacks, Williamson remains one of the most influential players for both Arsenal and England. However, her recent seasons have been disrupted by repeated injuries. A calf strain earlier in the 2025–26 campaign sidelined her for about a month, just as she was beginning to regain her rhythm.

Both Arsenal and England have been cautious with her workload to avoid further complications. Even with her injury troubles, Williamson continues to serve as a key leader for the Lionesses and is central to head coach Renee Slegers’ plans whenever she is fit for selection.

Focus shifts to recovery

Williamson’s immediate goal is to complete her rehabilitation and return to full fitness ahead of the 2026–27 season. Arsenal are expected to compete in several major competitions, including the Women’s Super League and the Women’s Champions League, making her return vital for the team. On the international front, Williamson will be looking to rejoin the England squad at the next available opportunity. For now, her primary focus remains on recovery and ensuring she is ready for the challenges of the new season.