Manchester City goalkeeper Karen Bardsley has been ruled out of this summer’s Olympic Games with a hamstring injury.
The 36-year-old Santa Monica-born stopper was selected in Hege Riise’s final 18-player Team GB squad for this summer’s Games but The Football Association have today confirmed Bardsley’s withdrawal.
Bardsley joined National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club OL Reign in February on a short term loan deal from parent club Manchester City. The player featured in a couple of matches for Reign before sustaining a hamstring injury in a game against Washington Spirit a fortnight ago.
The injury ruled Bardsley out of this month’s six-day England camp at Bisham Abbey and it has now been confirmed that she will not be fit for Team GB action in Tokyo next month. Her replacement will be announced in due course.
Bardsley was a member of the first British women’s football team to compete at an Olympic Games at London 2012. She was an ever-present for Team GB as they reached the quarter-finals before being defeated by Canada.
Team GB begin their Tokyo 2020 campaign with a fixture against Chile on 21 July. Riise’s side then take on host nation Japan on 24 July before completing the group stage with a fixture against Canada on 27 July.
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