Chloe Kelly’s lack of Man City game time ‘already’ worrying Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman despite winger’s inclusion in latest England squad
WHAT HAPPENED?
Kelly has made just one start in the Women’s Super League this season as her struggles to get back into Man City’s starting XI continue from last season.
The England winger lost her place to Australia international Mary Fowler back in March and only has further competition out wide this term, with the arrival of Japan starlet Aoba Fujino.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
That lack of action has understandably raised questions about how long it is until Kelly is not called up for England.
She was included in the Lionesses’ October squad and, amid injuries to Lauren Hemp and Lauren James, it wasn’t a huge surprise to see her among the forwards in the latest list either, ahead of games against the United States and Switzerland.
WHAT WIEGMAN SAID
However, Wiegman was asked on Tuesday just when Kelly’s lack of regular minutes will become a concern to her – and she said it already is. “I think it’s a concern right now, already, but that’s a hard situation,” the England boss replied. “Competition at Man City is high too but it’s also to have a look at what’s available.
Which players do we have available for our squad? We have some injuries up front. Lauren Hemp is injured, Lauren James is injured, so that that competition is still going on too.
Chloe knows that she’s not in the best position at club at the moment but [she has] enough credit to bring her in, related to the whole team and the availability of players.”
WHAT NEXT FOR KELLY AND ENGLAND?
Man City have one more game before the international break, against Hammarby in the Champions League on Thursday. Then, Kelly’s attention will turn towards England and those games against the U.S. and Switzerland.
