Lauren James has withdrawn from the England squad for the October internationals with a calf injury.
The forward, 23, was named in Chelsea’s starting line-up for their Champions League win over Twente on Thursday, but was replaced by Johanna Rytting Kaneryd after the warm-up.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor confirmed before their Women’s Super League (WSL) match with Tottenham that James is expected to miss the next five to six weeks.
The Lionesses face Germany at Wembley on Friday, 25 October, before taking on South Africa at Coventry City’s home on Tuesday, 29 October.
England manager Sarina Wiegman does not plan on calling up a replacement for James, with the squad meeting at St George’s Park on Monday.
