After missing England’s recent match against Austria due to a minor injury, Chloe Kelly is poised to make a comeback for the upcoming friendly against Italy. The sidelined winger, absent from the 7-2 victory over Austria, returned to training and may play on Tuesday.
England, currently in Spain for a warm-weather training camp alongside the under-23s, received positive news about Kelly’s condition. Coach Sarina Wiegman expressed optimism about Kelly’s readiness, stating that she looked impressive in training and is likely to be available for selection.
However, England will be without the services of Fran Kirby, the Chelsea attacking midfielder, who withdrew from the squad due to a minor knee injury sustained during the warm-up against Austria. Wiegman assured Kirby’s injury isn’t severe, but to avoid risks, she returned to Chelsea for assessment and treatment.
Despite Kirby’s absence and concerns about her limited game time at Chelsea this season, Wiegman remains positive about her contribution to the team. She stressed that Kirby’s England availability wasn’t only based on her Chelsea starting status, hoping for her quick return.
Meanwhile, England’s training sessions have seen involvement from several under-23 players, fostering stronger connections between the senior team and youth age groups. Notable participants included Naomi Layzell from Bristol City, Aggie Beever-Jones from Chelsea, and Laura Blindkilde Brown from Manchester City. Wiegman highlighted the importance of such interactions, providing valuable experience for young players and allowing the coaching staff to assess their progress.
Regarding the crowd size at recent matches, Wiegman acknowledged the compromise made to benefit from favorable training conditions during the warm-weather camp. While smaller crowds may have attended the matches, she emphasized the importance of balancing optimal training conditions with fan engagement. Looking ahead, England aims to reconnect with fans during upcoming matches on home soil later in the season.
In summary, Chloe Kelly’s imminent return offers a boost to England’s squad ahead of their friendly against Italy, while the team continues to nurture talent and maintain a balance between training needs and fan support.
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