England midfielder Keira Walsh is back in team training ahead of their World Cup last-16 tie with Nigeria.
The 26-year-old was carried off on a stretcher during England’s Group D win over Denmark, with what was initially feared could be a tournament-ending knee injury.
However, the Barcelona star’s injury is not as bad as first thought and her chances of featuring in the knockout phase received a boost on Sunday.
🏴 #FIFAWWC: Keira Walsh is back in training with the #Lionesses this morning.
We’ll be speaking to Sarina Wiegman later this evening. https://t.co/pACheESWWn
— Rachel Steinberg – at the #FIFAWWC 🇦🇺 (@rae_steinberg) August 6, 2023
The Lionesses begin the knockout phase of their World Cup campaign against Nigeria on Monday and a tweet from England read: “All 23 players are out for training today at Central Coast Stadium.”
Walsh missed England’s last group game, a dominant 6-1 victory over China, and it remains to be seen whether she will be involved for the last-16 clash.
The 26-year-old did not hurt her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), with Sarina Wiegman saying ahead of the China game: “Keira is OK. We said that it’s not an ACL and we can’t give you more information.”
Knee injuries had already ruled captain Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby and Beth Mead out of the World Cup.
Nigeria head coach Randy Waldrum said his team would be preparing to face Walsh, although admitted England would still be dangerous if she loses her fitness race.
“Obviously, she’s a key player in the midfield for them,” he said.
“Kind of like we had to do for Australia and Sam Kerr, we had to prepare with and without, we have to do the same.
“England has so many weapons. All of those players are playing all over the world in high-profile settings.
“There are more that can do damage to us than just her. They’ve given us a lot of challenges to prepare for and it will just be another one if she comes in.”
