Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp has had surgery on a knee injury, ruling her out of England’s upcoming friendlies with the United States and Switzerland.
Hemp missed City’s past two matches, including Saturday’s 2-0 defeat by title rivals Chelsea, but the club has not specified the nature of the injury or how long she will be out.
England manager Sarina Wiegman confirmed it was not an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Asked if it is a serious injury, Wiegman told BBC Sport: “No, I think if that was the case Manchester City would have communicated that. That’s not the case.
“She was in such a good place and was playing so well, so it’s of course disappointing.
“On the other hand, I would say it’s better that if something happens it’s now rather than in the spring, and she can be back to her level again.
“I always think it’s disappointing but it gives other players opportunities to show themselves and play.”
Hemp, 24, has been one of the standout players in the Women’s Super League this season, scoring twice and assisting five in seven matches.
Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone, 25, is also ruled out for England with a calf injury.
She missed United’s 2-0 victory over Leicester on Sunday – the first time in 96 league games she has not started.
“Ella picked up an injury in training the day before the Leicester game. She took a calf injury in a small, bottled session,” said United manager Marc Skinner.
“She will definitely miss the [next] two games [with United], she will miss the international window and we will then see if she is back after that.”