Keira Walsh escapes at least a year out injured as scans reveal she did not suffer a devastating knee injury
England have been given some reprieve over the fitness of star midfielder Keira Walsh after it was revealed that the Barcelona Femeni star did not suffer damage to her cruciate ligament as earlier feared.
England suffer Walsh loss
Walsh was substituted in England’s World Cup Group D match against Denmark with a suspected knee injury and was spotted after the match on crutches, leading to speculation that she had suffered lasting knee damage.
The Lionesses have suffered a number of similar knee injuries in the build-up to the 2023 World Cup, with Arsenal and Chelsea stars Bethany Mead and Fran Kirby both ruled out of the competition, but they will be glad to know that Walsh has not joined the list of major casualties.
The Barcelona midfielder has instead been given a much friendlier diagnosis and should be back on the pitch sooner than her injured compatriots.
Walsh injury not as serious as earlier feared
England released a statement following the injury, revealing the severity and noting that although Walsh will be sidelined for some games, she did not suffer a serious injury and would remain with the squad in Australia to undergo continuous assessment.
The statement read, "Following a scan late on Saturday afternoon, we can confirm Keira Walsh has not suffered an ACL injury," England said in a statement on Saturday.
"Walsh has been ruled out of Tuesday's final Group D match against China in Adelaide and will remain at England's Terrigal base to continue her recovery.
"Her knee injury will continue to be assessed by England medical staff and no further update will be provided at this stage."
Walsh will certainly miss England’s last group game against Australia, but the Lionesses maintain hope that she could be fit in time to play in the latter stages of the competition.
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