Chloe Kelly recalled to Lionesses after Beth Mead withdraws due to injury before Women’s Nations League games
CHLOE KELLY has been recalled for England duty ahead of their Women’s Nations League duels with Portugal and Spain.
The winger, who is on loan at Arsenal from Manchester City will replace crocked forward Beth Mead.
Kelly’s swift return to the Lionesses’ fold comes a day after she made her second debut for the Gunners.
Arsenal, who are currently third in the WSL, trounced Tottenham 5-0 in the North London derby on Sunday.
So far this term Kelly has made one start in the women’s top-tier in seven top-flight appearances.
The lack of game time led to the forward issuing a public statement concerning her wish to be “in a position to give it her best shot” to represent her country.
The statement was later followed by the 48-capped Lioness sealing a transfer deadline day loan move to the Gunners in January.
Kelly was initially left out of Sarina Wiegman’s 24-strong England squad before their matches against Portugal this Friday and Spain on February 26.
The WSL player’s return to the Lionesses followed her coming on as a second-half substitute for the Gunners.
And she hit the crossbar with a shot during their defeat of Spurs at the Emirates.
Aside from Mead, Lotte Wubben-Moy will also be absent from England’s camp this month with the centre-back withdrawing due to injury.
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers says the Gunners ace sustained a minor muscle which is due to be scanned today.
Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker has been named as a replacement for Wubben-Moy in Wiegman’s squad.
The group will be heading to Portugal this week ahead of a clash with Francisco Neto’s side at 7:45pm this Friday.
They will then face World Cup winners Spain at Wembley at 8:00pm next Wednesday.