Arsenal's Beth Mead has taken another step in the right direction as she continues her recovery from an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury sustained during their Women's Super League match against Manchester United make in November.
The Ballon d'Or nominee's World Cup hopes were immediately thrown into doubt when she limped off the pitch at the Emirates stadium a little over four months ago. Despite the tight time-frame, Mead is still hopeful she can make a return before the summer's tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
In the latest social media post shared by Arsenal, the 27-year-old has began running on an anti-gravity machine and the next step will be a return to the grass. As things stand, England manager Sarina Wiegman is preparing for the World Cup without Mead in her plans, admitting it would 'take a miracle' for the forward to fully recover in time.
However, Mead hasn't given up hope just yet and highlighted she's making steady progress, with a decision set to be made next month. "Her (Wiegman's) comments were made to keep the pressure off. It’s not given me a solid no, but she hasn’t said yes either," the Arsenal star said in an interview with The Telegraph.
"She is preparing for a World Cup without me, but I could still be picked. And miracles do happen. I’ve certainly not given up. She has not given up on me going either. Not yet.
"I’ve been given a glimmer of hope. I’m a realistic person. I know it’s going to be extremely hard. But you give me a glimmer of hope and I will take it. It has given me something to work towards.”
The Lionesses returned to St George's Park over the weekend to begin preparations for their upcoming games against Brazil and Australia. It will be the manager's final opportunity to look at the players before she makes a final decision on the squad for the World Cup.
Following last year's triumph at the Euros, in which Mead was also crowned player of the tournament, England will be hoping for further success in a few months time at the World Cup. While the forward will play no part in the run-in for Arsenal as they compete for the WSL title and UEFA Women's Champions League, Mead is yet to throw in the towel and admit defeat in the race to be fit for the World Cup.
The Lionesses take on Brazil at Wembley stadium on April 6 before they welcome World Cup co-hosts Australia to the Brentford Community Stadium on Tuesday, April 11.
