Fran Kirby left 'gutted' after shocking news ahead of Women's World Cup

England star Fran Kirby has revealed she is 'gutted' after revealing she won't play at the Women's World Cup this year in Australia after a horror knee injury. Australia and New Zealand are set to host a historic Women's World Cup starting in July this year with Euro champions England one of the favourites to take out the competition.

However, forward Kirby - who plays with Sam Kerr at Chelsea - has delivered the sad news she won't take part in the tournament after failing to recover from a knee injury sustained at club level. Kirby went down injured in a match against West Ham in the Continental Cup semi-final back in February.

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While she was hoping to recover for the World Cup, the five-time Women's Super League winner said she was 'gutted' to miss the tournament for England. "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 on social media.

“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 this summer.”

The news Kirby would be undergoing surgery prompted football fans to rally behind the Chelsea forward after such terrible news.

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The forward's news comes at a horrible time for England with the team already missing Leah Williamson and Beth Mead. Kirby has scored 17 goals in 65 appearances for England.

Chelsea said in a statement: “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.”

Mead is also expected to miss the World Cup after sustaining a knee injury in November. England Will open their World Cup account against Haiti on 20 July.

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