England Women's Football: Kirby & Kelly Ruled Out of Crucial Belgium Clash in Nations League

Injury Blow for Lionesses Ahead of Belgium Double-Header

England manager Sarina Wiegman confirmed the absence of attacking duo Fran Kirby (Brighton) and Chloe Kelly (Arsenal) for Friday's Women's Nations League clash against Belgium at Ashton Gate. Both players sustained minor injuries in training, though remain in contention for Tuesday's return fixture in Leuven.

Key Squad Updates:

Kirby participated partially in Thursday's session after registering 5 goals and 2 assists in 13 WSL appearances this season
Kelly (2 assists in UWCL quarter-finals) sat out entirely following her January loan move from Manchester City
Defensive rock Alex Greenwood and midfield general Georgia Stanway remain long-term absentees

Wiegman's Tactical Adaptation

"We're preparing multiple scenarios," said the Dutch tactician. "While disappointing, this creates opportunities for others to step up during our Euro 2025 building phase."

Recent Form Guide: ✅ February: Drew 0-0 vs Portugal (A)
✅ February: Beat Spain 1-0 (H) – reigning world champions
📊 UWCL: 6 England-based players reached semifinals

Russo Emerges as Focal Point

With Kirby sidelined, Arsenal's Alessia Russo (17 goals this season) becomes England's most in-form striker:

WSL's second-top scorer (12 goals)
UWCL leading markswoman (5 goals)

Captain Leah Williamson praised her teammate: "Alessia's playing with that perfect striker's confidence – not arrogance, but the belief to change games."