Brighton set FA Cup target for Fran Kirby after West Ham and likely Arsenal absences | OneFootball

Brighton have identified the FA Cup tie at West Ham as a potential return date for Fran Kirby. The forward will not feature in Sunday’s WSL trip to the same opponents.

According to TheArgus.co.uk, interim boss Chris Roberts said she will miss this weekend and is likely to miss Arsenal, adding that they hope to have her back for the FA Cup tie, which is the target.

Kirby has already missed the 1-0 win at Everton and the 2-1 home loss to London City Lionesses. Albion created plenty without her, particularly against City, when they felt chances went unrewarded.

Albion host Arsenal a week on Sunday before returning to West Ham in the cup. Roberts noted the earlier loss of Michelle Agyemang and said the Asia Cup and AFCON will take more players in February and March. He accepted the squad may be lighter than ideal, but pointed to quality and depth elsewhere.

Juventus targeted Kirby during the window, but she stayed put in what proved a quiet month for the Seagulls. Head coach Dario Vidosic remains away following the recent death of his father Rado in Australia.

Source: TheArgus.co.uk