Chelsea Women manager Emma Hayes says Fran Kirby is unlikely to be sidelined for too long after sustaining a knee injury in the 7-0 over West Ham on Thursday evening.

The England international scored during the League Cup semi-final tie, but she had to be taken off at halftime. Asked about the problem in a press conference, Hayes claimed that Kirby does have some inflammation but it shouldn’t keep her out of action for a lengthy period:

“It’s just a little bit of impingement in her knee. I think she will be alright. It might take a few days to settle down. I don’t know any more than that.”

With Chelsea’s next game being against Arsenal in the FA Women’s Cup on February 26th, it’s safe to say that Kirby will be available for that game.

In terms of her chances of being called up by England during the international break, Hayes was less certain, stating it was dependent on how her knee responds to treatment.

Kirby has been in very good form this campaign, scoring nine goals in 16 appearances in all competitions for the Blues.