Sarina Wiegman reckons lack of match action for Chloe Kelly ‘is a concern’ – but says forward has enough England credit
SARINA WIEGMAN says Chloe Kelly’s lack of game time is a concern despite the forward’s inclusion in her latest Lionesses squad.
The Manchester City player, who has started once in the WSL this term, has been named in Wiegman’s 24-strong England group.
However her club pal Lauren Hemp is among the notable absentees with the squad hit by injuries before friendly clashes with the USA and Switzerland.
The in-form Man City forward will miss England’s two final matches of the year having successfully undergone a knee operation.
Kelly, who is facing a battle for a Cityzens first team spot with forwards Mary Fowler and Aoba Fujino, five WSL appearances as a substitute this term.
Of her battle for minutes at club level, England boss Wiegman said: “It’s a concern right now, already, but that’s a hard situation.
“Competition at Man City is high too. But it’s also to have a look at what’s available? What players do we have available for our squad?
“We have some injuries up front. Lauren Hemp is injured, Lauren James is injured, so that competition is still going on too.
“Chloe knows that she’s not in the best position at (her) club at the moment but (she has) enough credit to bring her in, related to the whole team and the availability of players.”
Hemp, who has impressed this season with five goals in seven WSL games, was absent from Man City’s 2-0 loss to Chelsea in the league on Saturday
Man United’s Ella Toone will also miss England’s matches due after sustaining a calf injury three days ago.
Lauren James and Niamh Charles are still unavailable for England duty due to injury and Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker is also sidelined.
Wiegman’s latest squad includes senior call-ups for uncapped Leicester and Man City midfielders Ruby Mace and Laura Blindkilde.
And Man United defenders Gabby George and Millie Turner have also been named with George returning to the squad for the first time in two years.
England will face Emma Hayes’ USA side at Wembley on November 30 before a December 3 clash with Switzerland at Bramall Lane.