England have been handed a boost ahead of this summer's World Cup with footage suggesting Lucy Bronze escaped serious injury in Barcelona's UWCL semi-final first leg against Chelsea.
Bronze went down in the second half of the first leg at Stamford Bridge, clutching her right knee and receiving treatment from the Barca physios. The Lionesses' full-back wasn't even able to walk down the tunnel, instead hobbling towards the dressing room in obvious discomfort.
Only days after the news on Leah Williamson's ACL, everyone connected with England had the same initial worries. Even the cool and calm head of Sarina Wiegman, watching on, will have been concerned at the prospect of losing yet another defender. But Bronze later reappeared before full-time to watch the remainder of the game from the bench and was seen smiling and laughing with teammates.
Barcelona eventually ran out 1-0 winners to gain a slim advantage, ahead of Thursday's rematch to decide who will go to the Champions League final in June.
And videos posted on social media after the game have further quelled fears of Bronze's potential absence from England's World Cup campaign. In one, she is seen walking comfortably while shaking hands with Chelsea players.
In another she is seen talking with England teammates Keira Walsh and Lauren James smiling, and perhaps more importantly, able to put pressure on her knee. After game Barcelona coach Jonatan Giraldez also gave a positive update on Bronze's condition.
"Initially Lucy was a bit worried about her injury, she felt her pain in her knee, but now she's feeling much better about it", he said in his post-match press conference.
"She felt pain in the knee but I think she's fine right now. I was talking to her immediately after the game. It was scary at first but right now I think she's fine."
This all points towards Bronze being potentially fit for the second leg at Camp Nou on Thursday, although Giraldez will likely provide a further update when he next speaks to the media on Wednesday.
If she can come through that game unscathed, England fans will have one less injury worry to fret over with only one month to go until Sarina Wiegman names her squad for the World Cup finals.
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