Tokyo Olympics: Karen Bardsley pulls out of Team GB women's squad due to injury

Bardsley was among the two goalkeepers named in coach Hege Riise's 18-member squad for the Tokyo Games.

Published : Jun 12, 2021 15:51 IST

England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley has withdrawn from Britain's women's football squad for the Tokyo Olympics.
England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley has withdrawn from Britain's women's football squad for the Tokyo Olympics.
lightbox-info

England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley has withdrawn from Britain's women's football squad for the Tokyo Olympics.

England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley has withdrawn from Britain's women's football squad for the Tokyo Olympics due to an injury she picked up last month, Team GB said on Saturday.

Bardsley was among the two goalkeepers named in coach Hege Riise's 18-member squad for the Tokyo Games.

The 36-year-old, who is on loan at OL Reign from Manchester City, sustained the injury in a match against Washington Spirit in the United States' National Women's Soccer League.

"After a difficult road back to fitness and form, being selected for Tokyo felt like the greatest achievement," Bardsley said in a statement. "Then, to be forced to withdraw through injury so close to the Games feels devastatingly cruel.

RELATED|

"Regardless of the situation, I'll do whatever I can to help my teammates and Team GB every step along the way. I wish nothing but success for everyone."

Team GB said Bardsley's replacement will be announced later.

RELATED|

Britain, which crashed out in the quarterfinals at the 2012 London Olympics, is in Group E this year where it faces Chile in the opening game on July 21, followed by host Japan three days later and Canada on July 27.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment