Manchester City star Alex Greenwood seemed to suffer an injury scare while training with the Lionesses ahead of the summer’s Women’s World Cup.
The 29-year-old required on-pitch treatment due to an apparent injury to her left ankle following a tackle during training. The initial reaction was one of sincere worry, with the defender hobbling off and receiving further treatment on the touchline.
The World Cup is less than a month away. The Lionesses will face Portugal on 1 July in a final send-off before flying to Australia and New Zealand ahead of their first group stage clash against Haiti on 22 July.
Sarina Wiegman’s 23-player squad has already sustained its share of injuries, with Euro 2022 Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot winner Beth Mead, defender Leah Williamson and Chelsea attacker Fran Kirby ruled out of this summer's showpiece event.
Meanwhile, Chelsea centre-back Millie Bright is currently returning from a knee injury sustained earlier this year and is training separately from the rest of the England squad as she bids to return to fitness before the start of the tournament.
Potential injury to Greenwood, who started in England's dramatic Finalissima victory over Brazil in April and has been a key player in England's recent success, would represent a major blow to Wiegman's defensive ranks. Of the seven defenders called into Wiegman's squad, only Lucy Bronze and Greenwood boast previous World Cup experience.
City starlet Jess Park was forced to withdraw from Wiegman’s standby list due to her ongoing concerns with a shoulder injury the 21-year-old suffered in May towards the tail-end of her loan spell with Everton. Former United midfielder Lucy Staniforth has been called up in replacement.
England are currently ranked amongst the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy heading into the tournament, having claimed a first-ever major tournament last summer in the European Championship. However, an increase in competition levels and financial backing from major European parties, including Spain, France and Germany, means this summer's tournament is expected to be one of the most thrilling yet.
