Beth Mead's absence was the unfortunate asterisk alongside the Lionesses' recent romp to a second successive Arnold Clark Cup title, but the Arsenal and England striker has insisted her recovery from injury is “ahead of schedule” and did not rule out featuring at the summer’s Women’s World Cup.
Mead suffered a ruptured ACL in November during the Gunners’ league defeat to Manchester United, ruling her out for the remainder of the season and sending the Euro2022 star into a race against time to regain fitness before the summer’s showpiece event.
The 27-year-old lifted the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards during England’s historic Euro2022 triumph, and her injury arrived as a potential major blow to Sarina Wiegman’s ranks as they looked ahead to July without one of their most potent goalscorers.
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But Mead has delivered an encouraging update on her injury status for those hoping to see the striker don the badge come 22 July.
"Realistically next is sensible - but I’m not sensible!" Mead told Sky Sports News for World Book Day on 2 March. "The World Cup is obviously my motivation. I want to do my best to get to a World Cup.
"If It’s not meant to be, it’s not meant to be but it’s something for me to strive and reach towards. I’m ahead of schedule so far - I want to keep it that way."
Mead said her rehab was "going well" and while the injury bears its uncertainties, the forward has welcomed the opportunity to reflect on the laurel-laden year she and her teammates have relished.
But she also admitted that the injury as often been the “last thing on my mind” following the devastating news that Mead’s mum had passed away after a long battle with ovarian cancer.
Her mum’s diagnosis was largely the impetus for Mead’s exhilarating return to form after being left out of the 2021 Olympics Team GB squad.
And once more, Mead’s mum is serving a source of inspiration as Mead fights to return to fitness.
"I would say my knee has been the last thing on my mind recently, but I've still been really diligent in my first couple of months and been really good at that [the rehab]," Mead said.
"My mum loved me being part of football and she loved following my football journey and, for me, I want to get back on the pitch and continue that legacy for her."
The absence of Mead at the Arnold Clark Cup tournament did not stymie England’s bid to defend their title against Korea Republic, Italy and Belgium. And Mead revealed how Wiegman has kept in touch over the international break, even sharing a FaceTime on the eve of camp.
"Sarina's been amazing," she said. "She knew it was the first time I wouldn't be going to an England camp since my injury, so personally she's been incredible with that and she understands my situation."
England kick-off their Women’s World Cup campaign on 22 July with a match against Haiti.
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