LEAH WILLIAMSON suffered an injury scare ahead of the World Cup as Arsenal saw their title hopes dented by Manchester United.
Alessia Russo’s strike saw their tough night compounded with the Red Devils going six points clear of them at the WSL’s summit.
Leah Williamson went off injured in the first half of Arsenal’s WSL clash with Man United
Katie Zelem, Lia Walti and Ella Toone came the Arsenal captain’s aid when she appeared to hurt her knee whilst vying for the ball
Williamson was subbed off in the 15th minute of the match at Leigh Sports Village
The result saw United do the double over the north London giants for the first time in the WSL before their trip to Aston Villa.
The sight of Williamson dropping to the turf before being accompanied down the tunnel by team-mate Kim Little momentarily took the zest out of the game.
The England captain, who was playing in midfield, was replaced in the 15th minute by Gio Queiroz after appearing to her her knee.
It was a moment that will leave Gunners and Lionesses’ staff sweating over her fitness.
Her injury comes 94 days before England’s first World Cup group stage game with Sarina Wiegman’s side facing Haiti on July 22.
BBC Sports’ Alex Scott revealed the defender was on crutches with her club set to assess her before their Champions League semis duel with Wolfsburg.
First half chances were few and far between with both teams having just one shot on target.
But the deadlock was broken on the stroke of half-time as Nikita Parris cut back a pass in the box for Russo to slam home.
The second spell saw Jonas Eidevall make changes with Steph Catley and Jen Beattie coming on for Kathrine Kuhl and Laura Wienroither.
Alessia Russo’s strike helped Man United become only the third side in the WSL beat Arsenal twice in the league in one season
And the visitors came close to drawing level with Stina Blackstenius’ shot in the box bravely blocked by Aoife Mannion with 28 minutes of normal time left.
Mary Earps came out quickly to claim the ball with the striker waiting to pounce on Victoria Pelova’s delivery.
And Frida Maanum fired a free-kick wide before a late Mannion clearance with the hosts going four points ahead of Chelsea.
