England’s World Cup injury woes grew ever greater on Tuesday with Chelsea playmaker Fran Kirby ruled out of the summer’s tournament due to a knee issue that will require surgery. The 29 year old suffered the injury in the League Cup semifinal against West Ham. Chelsea did not confirm a timescale for her return, stating only that she will be absent “for a significant period”, but Kirby confirmed on social media that she will not recover in time to make the trip to Australia and New Zealand.
“Unfortunately after a few months of rehab the decision has been made that I will require surgery on my knee,” Kirby said on Twitter. “I have been trying my best to not have to undergo this but unfortunately my progress has been limited.
“I’m absolutely gutted to announce that this means my season is over and I will not be able to make the World Cup. I’m going to be doing everything possible to be ready for the start of next season.”
Kirby’s absence means that England are likely…
