Fran Kirby to miss Women's World Cup due to injury
Fran Kirby has confirmed she will miss the 2023 Women's World Cup after undergoing surgery on a knee injury.
The mercurial attacking midfielder has been out of action since Chelsea Women's Continental Cup semi final win over West Ham in early February, sustaining a knee injury during the 7-0 victory.
Now the extent of said injury has been confirmed, with Chelsea Women announcing in a statement that Kirby will have to undergo surgery: "Following an injury sustained during our Continental League Cup semi-final against West Ham, Fran has been reviewed at Cobham by the Chelsea medical team.
"Following that review and further discussion with a specialist, Fran is set to undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined for a significant period. Fran will begin a rehabilitation programme with support from the club’s medical team. Everyone at Chelsea sends their best wishes to Fran in her recovery."
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Kirby herself has since released her own statement, confirming that she will not be fit to represent England in the upcoming Women's World Cup this summer, writing: "Unfortunately after a few months of rehab the decision has been made that I will require surgery on my knee.
"I have been trying my best to not have to undergo this but unfortunately my progress has been limited due to the issue in my knee.
"I'm absolutely gutted to announce that this means my season is over and I will not be able to make the world Cup in the summer. I'm going to be doing everything possible to be ready for the start of next season and want to wish my teammates at Chelsea the best of luck for the rest of the season and my Lioness teammates the best of luck for the summer."