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Kirby out of World Cup as England injury crisis grows

England's Fran Kirby is out of the World Cup after confirming she will require surgery on a knee injury sustained almost three months ago.

Kirby has not played for Chelsea or England since she was forced off with a knee injury in the Continental Cup semi-final win over West Ham on February 9, and will now miss the remainder of the current WSL season as her club chase a fourth consecutive league title.

England are already missing captain Leah Williamson and Euro 2022 player of the tournament Beth Mead for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July.

After Chelsea released a statement on Tuesday confirming Kirby will have surgery and would be absent for a "significant period", the forward confirmed she would remain sidelined until after this summer's World Cup, missing out on the title race as well as the Women's FA Cup final against Man Utd on May 14.

"I've been trying my best not to have to undergo surgery, but unfortunately my progress has been limited due to the issue in my knee," she said on Twitter.

"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."

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