Keira Walsh was carried off on a stretcher during England’s World Cup group game against Denmark after appearing to catch her studs in the ground; Lionesses were leading at half-time courtesy of Lauren James’ opener at Allianz Stadium
England’s hopes of winning the Women’s World Cup suffered a blow on Friday when Keira Walsh was taken off the pitch on a stretcher with what appeared to be a serious knee injury during the Group D match against Denmark.
The 26-year-old holding midfielder, who was an integral part of the England team that won the Euros last year, crumpled to the turf at Sydney Football Stadium without contact in the 38th minute and immediately called for medical assistance.
After a lengthy delay, Walsh left the field with her head in her hands on a stretcher and was replaced by Laura Coombs.
Walsh moved from Manchester City to Barcelona last year for a world-record fee, reported to be in the region of $470,000 (£367,000). She won a Liga F and Champions League double in her first season in Spain.
Players missing World Cup 2023
Leah Williamson, Beth Mead (England), Janine Beckie (Canada), Delphine Cascarino, Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France), Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands), Christen Press, Catarina Macario (United States).
Speaking on Sky Sports News, Manchester United Women forward Leah Galton said: “It doesn’t look great. She’s tracking back for the ball and she over-stretches. It looks like a knee injury. She was taken off in a brace.
“You don’t want that to happen to any player but especially Keira Walsh as she is so important in midfield. England need to try to forget about it and regroup as Denmark are now having more of the ball.”