05 May 2023 , 16:20
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Emma Hayes believes Chelsea defender Millie Bright will be fit for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup finals.
However, the Blues manager has revealed that Bright won't be back for a big WSL clash with Everton this Sunday, that could have a major impact on their ambitions to win the double. Bright has been absent since Chelsea's Champions League quarter-final first leg win over Lyon back in March.
Earlier this week it was confirmed her Chelsea teammate Fran Kirby would require surgery on a knee problem, ruling her out of the finals. She joined a lengthy England injury list which includes captain Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Lucy Bronze.
But ahead of Sunday's WSL clash with the sixth-placed Toffees, Hayes said Bright was working her way back to fitness, although she was unable to give an exact date on her possible return.
"There is no chance of Millie making Sunday," said Hayes. "I don't know when Millie will be back exactly. But I think there is a slim chance (of her returning) over the next couple of weeks, but it is slim.
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"It is slim chance, if at all, on her coming back for the remainder of the season. But she'll make the World Cup, I'm sure of that."
The news will be a major boost to Sarina Wiegman, whose defensive plans have been hampered by recent injuries with Bronze, Williamson and Bright forming part of a solid back four that helped the Lionesses win Euro 2022 last summer. Chelsea's defence has also been hit with selection issues recently, but Hayes confirmed that Canadian centre-back Kadeisha Buchanan could make a return this weekend in a a major boost for the title holders.
Maren Mjelde also could return against Everton having missed the win over Liverpool due to a minor back strain.
"Kadeisha (Buchanan) might be back," Hayes added. "That could be one we might consider (for Everton) she is back on the grass.
"Maren took a jolt in the back but we're not sure on whether she can train before the game. It's nothing serious but we just don't know at this stage. I felt we missed her against Liverpool."
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