England midfielder Keira Walsh has avoided an ACL injury, the Football Association (FA) confirmed on Saturday, although she remains a major doubt for the remainder of the Women’s World Cup.
Walsh, who injured her right knee in England’s 1-0 win over Denmark on Friday, has been ruled out of the match against China and will remain with the squad in Terrigal, Australia, as she continues her recovery. The FA did not provide a timescale on when or if Walsh could return.
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The incident occurred in the 35th minute against Denmark as Walsh stretched for a pass. Her right knee buckled, and she immediately signalled to the bench for help. Walsh was soon stretchered off and was later seen on England’s bench in the second half with a knee brace and crutches.
Walsh is regarded as one of the world’s best players and her transfer last summer from Manchester City to Barcelona is still a world-record fee.
Walsh formed the key midfield partnership with Georgia Stanway that guided England to win Euro 2022 last summer, and with Sarina Wiegman’s side already battling a lengthy injury list with Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby all injured, Walsh’s injury is a further setback.
