May 4 – European champions England have suffered yet another blow to their Women’s World Cup hopes with the news that Chelsea midfielder Fran Kirby will miss the tournament because of a knee injury.
The 29-year-old, who started every match at Euro 2022 and is the creative spark in England’s team, is expected to be out for a “significant period”.
It is the latest injury setback for England boss Sarina Wiegman, who has also lost captain Leah Williamson and, almost certainly, star striker Beth Mead
“Unfortunately after a few months of rehab the decision has been made that I will require surgery on my knee,” Kirby said on Twitter. “I’m absolutely gutted to announce that this means my season is over and I will not be able to make the World Cup. I’m going to be doing everything possible to be ready for the start of next season.”
Williamson’s World Cup dream was ended by an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in April. Speaking following the inaugural Women’s Nations League draw, Wiegman commented: “It is devastating for the players and they are understandably gutted.
“Leah has done a tremendous job as our captain and she was in good form when it happened. It is horrible for her and sad for the whole team that she will be unavailable. She will be missed.
“It is the same with Fran. She has been out for longer and it is a different injury but we had hoped she would be able to keep progressing.”
The European champions could also be without defender Millie Bright who is continuing to recover from a knee injury she sustained in March.
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