England’s World Cup hopes take another hit as Frank Kirby is ruled out of the tournament and forced to undergo knee surgery… with Leah Williamson and Beth Mead also ruled out through injury
- England star Fran Kirby has been ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury
- Kirby will undergo surgery that will keep her sidelined for a ‘significant period of time’
- She was injured in the semi-final of the Blue League Cup against West Ham
England’s World Cup hopes have suffered another blow with Fran Kirby, the latest player to be kicked out of the tournament.
The Chelsea striker will undergo knee surgery which will keep her sidelined for a ‘significant period’.
Kirby suffered a knee injury in the Blues’ League Cup semi-final against West Ham in February and hasn’t played since.
The striker, who has started every game at Euro 2022, had been given platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in hopes of avoiding surgery, but they were unable to resolve the issue.
A statement from Kirby read: “Unfortunately, after a few months of rehabilitation, the decision has been made to have knee surgery.”
England’s World Cup hopes have suffered another blow with Fran Kirby (above) the latest player to be kicked out of the tournament
The striker will undergo knee surgery which will keep her sidelined for a ‘significant period’
“I did my best not to have to go through this, but unfortunately my progress was limited due to my knee problem.
“I am absolutely delighted to announce that this means my season is over and I will not be able to compete in the World Cup this summer.”
“I will do my best to be ready for the start of next season and I wish my Chelsea team-mates good luck for the rest of the season and my Lioness team-mates good luck for the summer.’
England have already lost captain Leah Williamson to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which she suffered last month, while Beth Mead – who suffered the same injury in November – is also doubtful.
Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright recently underwent knee surgery but should be fit in time for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Kirby has suffered knee injuries in the past, but they were successfully treated with PRP injections.
England have already lost captain Leah Williamson to anterior cruciate ligament injury
She picked up the injury while playing for Arsenal against Manchester United last month
Kirby will also miss Chelsea’s title race as well as the FA Cup final on May 14.
A club statement said: “Following an injury sustained in our Continental League Cup semi-final against West Ham, Fran was assessed at Cobham by the Chelsea medical team.
“Following this review and further discussion with a specialist, Fran is expected to undergo surgery and should be sidelined for a significant period of time.
“Fran will begin a rehabilitation program with the support of the club’s medical team. Everyone at Chelsea sends their best wishes to Fran in his recovery.
More soon…