Chelsea and England striker Fran Kirby says she is ‘absolutely heartbroken’ to miss the World Cup.

In a tweet posted following the official statement from her club, Kirby revealed efforts to recover from the injury, sustained during Chelsea’s Confederations Cup semi-final in February, failed to restore her fitness.

She wrote: “Unfortunately after several months of rehabilitation I have decided that I will have to have knee surgery. I tried my best not to have to go through this but unfortunately my progress was limited due to a knee problem.

“It is with great sadness that I announce that my season is over and I will not be able to attend the World Cup in the summer.

“I will do everything I can to get ready for the start of next season and would like to wish my Chelsea teammates the best of luck for the rest of the season and my Lioness teammates the best of luck. best for the rest of the season. summer.”

Kirby scored twice for England in their win at Euro 2022 last summer and has scored seven times for Chelsea in 13 appearances in all competitions this season.

The news comes as another blow to England head coach Wiegman, just weeks after captain Leah Williamson was ruled out of the World Cup after rupturing her ACL, while being the best player. Euro 2022 tournament and Golden Shoe winner Beth Mead also recovered in time. injury seems unlikely.

Wiegman is set to announce her roster for the upcoming tournament at the end of May.