England boss Sarina Wiegman has delivered a major blow to Lionesses fans hoping to see striking talisman Beth Mead wreak havoc on the Women’s World Cup pitch this summer.
The Dutch manager declared the England superstar is not in her current World Cup plans and a return to fitness before the tournament would require a "miracle". Wiegman announced her 25-player squad for next month's international break, and Mead was once again a notable absentee as she continues to return from an ACL injury suffered in November during Arsenal's 3-2 league defeat to Manchester United.
The injury ruled her out for Arsenal's remainder of the season and has since sent the Euro 2022 star into a race against time to regain fitness before the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. And despite the 27-year-old issuing a positive injury update delivered in February, Wiegman has all but ruled out a return for one of England's most potent forwards ahead of the summer's showpiece event.
"I had a conversation with her," said Wiegman. "She’s doing well, she’s in her rehab, and she’s doing good, but the World Cup is actually too early.
"So what we said now, is that she’s not in our plans now, just really take the time to get back well. If a miracle happens and she goes (recovers) so fast, then we will reconsider it. But at this moment I don’t expect that."
Although Mead was already ruled out of appearing for Arsenal again domestically before the season ends, at the announcement of the February squad, Wiegman said it was "too early" to rule her out of contention all together for the World Cup.
But her update today means it is unlikely the Lionesses will have the forward in their travelling party. Mead's absence will be cruelly felt having lifted the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards during England’s historic Euro 2022 triumph.
Wiegman was able to share a more positive injury update on Millie Bright. Wiegman selected the Chelsea centre-back in her squad, despite Bright missing their WSL defeat at Man City, after limping off in the Champions League win over Lyon last week.
The England boss is hopeful Bright will be available for the game against Brazil a week on Thursday saying, "I hope she can play, she is being assessed with her club of course. But with good progress this week, she can come in."
The Finalissima at Wembley will give Wiegman the chance to win the fourth trophy of her England reign, after securing a second Arnold Clark Cup win last month in addition to winning the Euros last summer.
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