Leah Williamson had a beaming smile on her face last night as she returned to action during Arsenal's 6-0 hammering of Reading in the Conti Cup. 

The England skipper, 26, was heartbroken last April when an anterior cruciate ligament injury cut her season short and crushed her dream of leading Sarina Wiegman's side at the Women's World Cup. 

But after nine months out, she made her first appearance of the 2023-24 campaign as a second-half sub to help the Gunners progress to the quarter-finals as Group D winners. 

Speaking to Arsenal's official website, she said: "It was the perfect scenario. I've worked hard. I've kept my head down for a moment like today. 

"I sat on the bench with my team-mates, who couldn't have been more supportive, and then returned to the pitch. 

"The girls gave me a good reception and so did the fans. It was lovely."

Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall added: "She works incredibly hard. I don't think anyone who hasn't had an ACL injury can understand all the work that goes in behind that to be able to return.

"I'm really happy for her and really happy for the team to get such a great player back."

Centre-back Williamson replaced Jen Beattie just after the hour mark at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. 

And with 10 minutes remaining, her fine ball over the top was volleyed home by Beth Mead for Arsenal's fifth goal of the night. 

Speaking to Sky Sports, Williamson said: "It's been a long journey but it's gone really quickly. 

"The girls I've had around me — it's special. Special people get you through tough times. 

"I love playing for Arsenal. I'm happy to be back and [will] try to help my team."

Caitlin Foord opened the scoring for the holders before a Stina Blackstenius double put Eidevall's side in firm control. 

Laia Codina added a fourth on 51 minutes and Blackstenius completed her hat-trick after Mead had fired home. 

Arsenal and the other four group winners will be joined in the last eight by the best two runners-up. 

Chelsea are also set to enter the fray having missed the group stage due to their participation in the Champions League.