Another blow for England as Fran Kirby out of World Cup

England forward Fran Kirby will undergo knee surgery and miss the women's World Cup, adding to a growing list of English players sidelined with knee injuries.

Skipper Leah Williamson was the latest to be ruled out last month with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] while Beth Mead, who also ruptured her ACL in November, has not returned to action.

The injury is also a blow to Chelsea, who are third in the Women's Super League, seven points behind leaders Manchester United with three games in hand.

"Unfortunately after a few months of rehab the decision has been made that I will require surgery on my knee," Kirby said in a statement.

"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 team-mates at Chelsea the best of luck for the rest of the season and my Lioness team-mates the best of luck for the summer."

England and Barcelona defender Lucy Bronze also underwent surgery on her right knee last week but is expected to return before the end of the season after coach Jonatan Giraldez said she would be out for "just a couple of weeks".

The World Cup kicks off on 20 July and will be held in Australia and New Zealand. The Republic of Ireland are makign thei first ever appearance at the tournament. They are grouped with Australia, Canada and Nigeria in Group B.

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