England also misses Kirby at World Cup, Chelsea player must go under the knife

England national coach Sarina Wiegman’s team will also have to miss Fran Kirby at the World Cup. The 29-year-old Chelsea player had been out of action for several months due to a knee injury and now has to go under the knife.

“Unfortunately, after several months of rehabilitation, the decision has been made that I must undergo knee surgery,” Kirby stated in a statement on Instagram. “I have done my best to avoid surgery, but unfortunately progress has been minimal due to my knee problem.”

England is already missing captain Leah Williamson (Arsenal) due to a knee injury, and only a miracle can make the also injured Beth Mead (also Arsenal) participate in the World Cup from July 20 to August 20 in Australia and New Zealand.

Kirby sustained the injury on Feb. 9 of this year in the semifinal game with West Ham United in the Continental League Cup. She then scored one goal, but fell out just before halftime. Kirby became European champion with England at the European Championships at home last year.

“I’m sick of my season being over and not making it to the World Cup this summer,” Kirby continued. “I’m going to do everything I can to be ready for the start of the new season. I wish my teammates at Chelsea all the luck in the rest of this season and wish my teammates at England all the luck this summer.”

Earlier this year, we created an explainer on the many torn anterior cruciate ligaments in women’s soccer. Check it out below: