Chelsea star Fran Kirby has withdrawn from the England Lionesses’ squad after suffering a ‘minor knee injury’ before a friendly with Austria on Friday.
The forward was set to start for England in Spain before experiencing trouble with her knee during the warm-up.
Manchester United’s Ella Toone went on to replace Kirby in the lineup as the Lionesses trounced Austria 7-2.
England face Italy in another friendly on Tuesday but Kirby has now returned to her club for further assessment.
Embed from Getty ImagesAbove: Kirby will return to Chelsea after suffering the injury on Friday.
England statement confirms Kirby withdrawal
England issued a statement offering further detail on Kirby’s injury on Sunday evening.
“Fran Kirby has withdrawn from the England camp in Spain and will return to Chelsea for further assessment on a minor knee injury reported before the Austria match,” the statement began.
“At this stage, there are no plans to call a replacement into the senior squad.”
Kirby has been hampered by knee injuries in the past and was forced to miss England’s 2023 World Cup campaign in Australia after requiring surgery for an injury sustained at club level.
Potential return for Kirby against Leicester
The England statement suggests Kirby is not expected to be out for an extended period.
The 30-year-old will potentially return for Chelsea in their upcoming Women’s Super League clash with Leicester on Sunday.
Emma Hayes’ side head to the East Midlands level on points with Manchester City at the top of the WSL table.
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