Injuries plague England as Kelly and Kirby withdraw from friendly

In England, Chloe Kelly and Fran Kirby have been ruled out of the Lionesses' upcoming friendly match against Switzerland, scheduled for Tuesday at Bramall Lane. The decision follows their participation in a recent match against the United States Women's National Team, where both players were substituted in the 75th minute. During that match, Kelly sustained a concussion, while Kirby suffered a calf injury. Eyewitness accounts revealed that Kirby showed visible distress as she left the pitch, suggesting the severity of her condition. The England squad is experiencing a significant injury crisis, as both players are among the key attacking options for the team. They join other injured players such as Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Ella Toone, Niamh Charles, and Maya Le Tissier, further complicating head coach Sarina Wiegman's tactical options. The absence of these players is particularly disappointing given the upcoming friendly, which serves as vital preparation for future competitive fixtures, including the European Championships hosted by Switzerland in 2025. Wiegman expressed disappointment during her pre-match press conference, highlighting the challenges posed by these injuries not only for the team but also for the respective clubs of Kelly and Kirby. With the player pool reduced, Wiegman is left with 23 available players to prepare for the match, emphasizing the need to adapt strategies and potentially rotate the squad. The match against Switzerland presents an opportunity for the remaining players to step up in the absence of their teammates. Both teams are experiencing injury struggles, as Switzerland is also missing key players, including midfielder Lia Walti. This encounter will be crucial for both squads as they seek to build momentum and test new lineup strategies ahead of international duties in the following year.