England’s World Cup hopes take another blow as Frank Kirby is ruled OUT of the tournament
England’s World Cup hopes are dealt another blow when Frank Kirby is ruled out of the tournament and forced to undergo knee surgery… with Leah Williamson and Beth Mead also sidelined with injury
World Cup hopes in England have taken another blow with Fran Kirby, the latest player to be banned from the tournament.
The Chelsea striker is undergoing knee surgery that will keep her out for a ‘considerable period’.
Kirby suffered a knee injury in February’s Blues’ League Cup semi-final against West Ham and has not played since.
The striker, who started every Euro 2022 match, had been given platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in hopes of avoiding surgery, but they were unable to fix the problem.
A statement from Kirby read: ‘Unfortunately, after a few months of rehabilitation, the decision has been made that I need surgery on my knee.
World Cup hopes in England have taken another blow with Fran Kirby, the latest player to be banned from the tournament
“I did my best not to have to go through this, but unfortunately my progress has been limited because of the problem in my knee.
“I am absolutely gutted to announce that this means my season is over and I will not be able to make it to the World Cup in the summer. I will do everything I can to be ready for the start of next season and wish my teammates at Chelsea the best of luck for the rest of the season and my Lioness teammates the best of luck for the rest of the season. summer.’
England already lost captain Leah Williamson to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which she suffered last month, while Beth Mead – who suffered the same injury in November – is also doubtful.
Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright have both recently had knee surgery but are expected to be fit in time for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Kirby previously suffered from knee injuries, but they were successfully treated with PRP injections.
Kirby will also miss Chelsea’s title fight and the FA Cup final on May 14.
“Following an injury sustained in our Continental League Cup semi-final against West Ham, Fran has been assessed at Cobham by Chelsea’s medical team,” the club said in a statement.
“Following that assessment and further consultation with a specialist, Fran will undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined for a significant period of time.
Fran will start a rehabilitation program with the support of the club’s medical team. Everyone at Chelsea wishes Fran the best in her recovery.”
More to follow…