England have been dealt yet another injury blow after Lucy Bronze limped off during Barcelona's Women's Champions League semi-final clash with Chelsea.
The right-back left the pitch 66 minutes into Saturday's encounter at Stamford Bridge after picking up an injury to her right knee. Bronze, who was an integral part of the Lionesses EUROs-winning squad, becomes the latest England star to suffer an injury scare ahead of this summer's World Cup.
On Friday, it was announced captain Leah Williamson would miss the tournament after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament in Arsenal's Women's Super League defeat to Manchester United on Wednesday. Star forward Beth Mead is almost certain to miss the World Cup after rupturing her ACL last November, with Millie Bright and Fran Kirby also major doubts.
Bronze's injury is the second scare in as many days for the England camp who will be announcing their World Cup squad imminently. Just yesterday Leah Williamson was completely ruled out with a ruptured ACL, and Bronze could've played a huge part in boosting the squad in Williamson's absence.
In more positive news for Bronze, several minutes after she hobbled off, she could be seen back in the dugout with her Barcelona teammates icing her knee rather than going straight to the physio room.
Manager Jonatan Giraldez took no chances and withdrew her immediately as she looked in agony not being able to put any pressure on as she walked off the pitch.
Manager Sarina Wiegman could now face big problems in defence this summer over in Australia. Chelsea defender Millie Bright, who partnered Williamson at every game during Euro 2022, is also currently out injured, although not thought to be a doubt for the tournament at this stage.
England may have to turn to Alex Greenwood, Jess Carter, Lotte Wubben-Moy or Esme Morgan to fill in at centre-back. Steph Houghton's chances of a recall may have also improved due to Williamson's injury misfortune, with the Man City defender saying earlier this month she wanted "closure" on her international career.
NEW! Our Year: European Champions 2022 - The Official England Winners Book
With a foreword by England manager Sarina Wiegman, this is the only official book of the historic triumph, reliving every kick of a thrilling tournament and telling the stories of the players who made it all happen.
Order from https://reachsportshop.com/book/our-year-european-champion-2022/
