England will have to go to the World Cup without another key player with the news that Fran Kirby will undergo surgery.
Kirby, has been missing for Chelsea since February and played no part in England's Finalissima triumph at Wembley last month. Last week Emma Hayes admitted Kirby's situation was changing on a weekly basis, but that she hadn't featured in normal training.
But the Blues have now released a further update confirming that Kirby will be out of action for a "significant period." That is expected to include the 2023 World Cup, meaning Sarina Wiegman will be missing another regular starter from the Euros winning side.
Leah Williamson is also out of the tournament with an ACL injury, with Beth Mead unlikely to be back in time after suffering a similar injury last November. In addition, forward Ellen White has retired since the Euros.
Kirby's Chelsea teammate Millie Bright is also currently out, with England's first game on July 22 against Haiti. The injury also means Chelsea will have to try and win the WSL and FA Cup without one of their key players.
A club statement read: "Following an injury sustained during our Continental League Cup semi-final against West Ham, Fran (Kirby) has been reviewed at Cobham by the Chelsea medical team.
"Following that review and further discussion with a specialist, Fran is set to undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined for a significant period.
"Fran will begin a rehabilitation programme with support from the club’s medical team. Everyone at Chelsea sends their best wishes to Fran in her recovery."
Kirby wrote her own statement on social media, saying: "I'm absolutely gutted to announce this means my season is over and I will not be able to make the World Cup. I'm going to do everything possible to be ready for the start of next season."
Kirby has played for England in the last four major tournaments. She is also Chelsea's all-time scorer. The Blues will also still be missing defenders Bright and Kadeisha Buchanan when they take on West Ham in the WSL on Wednesday night.
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