Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Alessia Russo Withdraws from England Squad Due to Injury
England’s Women’s Nations League campaign has been dealt a blow as in-form Arsenal striker Alessia Russo has been forced to pull out of the squad due to injury. The withdrawal comes ahead of their crucial away fixture against Belgium on Tuesday.
Agyemang Receives Senior Call-Up
In light of Russo’s absence, Brighton striker Michelle Agyemang, currently on loan from Arsenal, has been drafted into the England squad. The 19-year-old earns her first senior international call-up as a result of Russo’s injury.
Injury Sustained Against Belgium
Russo has returned to Arsenal to undergo further assessment for an injury picked up during Friday’s 5-0 victory over Belgium at Ashton Gate. While the precise nature of the injury remains undisclosed, it appeared to be an ankle issue. She seemed to be in discomfort following a challenge to her lower leg, shortly before being substituted in the 73rd minute, with Nikita Parris replacing her.
Arsenal Injury Concerns
The injury setback will also be a concern for Arsenal. Russo has been displaying exceptional form, scoring 14 goals in her last 22 appearances for both club and country. She also hit the woodwork twice during an energetic performance for the Lionesses on Friday. Arsenal currently sit second in the WSL standings, trailing leaders Chelsea by six points with four league games remaining this season.
England Squad Travels to Leuven
Despite Russo’s withdrawal, a 24-player England squad departed from St George’s Park on Sunday, en route to Leuven. They are preparing for the second match in their double-header against Belgium‘s Red Flames on Tuesday. England are also without Chloe Kelly, who returned to Arsenal on Friday for treatment on a foot injury.
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Agyemang’s Promising Form
Agyemang recently scored for England Under-19s against Austria on Saturday, contributing to the squad’s qualification for this summer’s Women’s Under-19 European Championship in Poland with a game to spare. She has also impressed at the youth level, scoring twice for England’s Under-23s against Germany.
Brighton Loan Spell
During her loan spell at Brighton this season, she has found the net three times across all competitions. Her parent club, Arsenal, reportedly view her as a potential key player for the England senior team in the future.
Nations League Group Leaders
Sarina Wiegman’s team currently lead their Women’s Nations League group, boasting seven points from their initial three fixtures. They hold a narrow one-point lead over second-placed Spain, the reigning world champions, whom they defeated 1-0 at Wembley in February.
Upcoming Fixtures
Following the match against Belgium on Tuesday, England are scheduled to host Portugal on May 30th, followed by an away game against Spain on June 3rd. After these Nations League encounters, the Lionesses will fully concentrate on the European Championship in Switzerland in July.