Chelsea and England striker Frank Kirby will take time off football for an indefinite period as she battles ongoing health issues.
The 28-year-old, who hasn’t played for club or country since February, spent more than nine months on the sidelines after being diagnosed with heart disease at the end of 2019.
Kirby said on Twitter: “I’m sad to have to write you all another message like this. With this issue being a recurring one throughout my career, it was time to put my health first.
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to message, I’m doing everything to try and come back one more time.
“But until then, I will be Chelsea and the biggest Lionesses fan with you all.”
Chelsea manager Emma Hayeswhose team will face Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, told a press conference earlier on Friday that Kirby was suffering from fatigue.
Hayes said: “I don’t have a definitive reason why it is, we don’t know, but we’re trying to get to the bottom of it and taking whatever time we can to try and find the right solutions for Fran. .
“It is something that is ongoing and unfortunately until we get to the bottom of it Fran will not be available for selection.”
Kirby was voted female Super League player of the season last year, having played a key role for Chelsea in their hat-trick and scoring in England’s Arnold Clark Cup victory over Germany in February.
Fran Kirby is taking a second indefinite hiatus from football due to health issues
