England defender Lucy Bronze is expected to be fit for the World Cup after undergoing knee surgery.
Bronze went off injured playing for Barcelona in their 1-0 win over Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final last Saturday.
The right-back will miss the second leg at the Nou Camp on Thursday and there were fears she could be ruled out of this summer’s World Cup too.
Bronze underwent knee surgery this week, but Barcelona manager Jonatan Giraldez eased concerns this morning that she would be out for long.
“It’s a tiny intervention, just a couple of weeks,” he said.
“She is an important player, but we have enough players to replace her.
“In the end we have to feel that we have enough players to play this kind of competition.
“In Lucy’s case, she will be out for a few weeks so it is not a big problem. Right now the most important thing is the game of tomorrow.”
That news will be a boost to England, who were rocked by captain Leah Williamson injuring her knee last week and being ruled out of the World Cup.
Beth Mead, who was the top scorer and player of the tournament as England won Euro 2022 last summer, is also expected to miss the tournament in Australia and New Zealand after injuring her knee in November.
Chelsea pair Millie Bright and Fran Kirby are further doubts for the tournament after struggling with knee injuries.
Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman is due to name her squad for the World Cup at the end of May.
Wiegman was optimistic earlier this month that Bright would be fit in time for the tournament, but she was less hopeful over Kirby.
Bright has been out of action since March, while Kirby has not played since February.
