Wiegman suffers two injury blows as England stars ruled out of double-header

Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp and Arsenal midfielder Jordan Nobbs have withdrawn from the Lionesses squad due to minor injury concerns upon reporting for international duty at St George's Park.

Both England stars started for their clubs on Sunday for the final episode of Women's Super League action before the international break, with Hemp running riot through a dogged Reading defence to give City a 3-0 victory. Elsewhere, Nobbs helped Arsenal cruise to a comfortable 4-0 victory over bottom-of-the-table Leicester.

Hemp and Nobbs were included in Sarina Wiegman's initial 25-player squad for the Lionesses' upcoming friendly double-header against Japan and Norway in Spain.

But Sky Sports has reported that the pair will not make the trip with the team amid injury concerns, following consultations with their respective clubs.

Everton defender Gabby George has earned a call-up as means of replacement, joining Toffees teammate Jess Park, who was called into the squad to replace Chelsea 's Fran Kirby, who withdrew shortly after the squad announcement needing time to recover from a viral infection.

Nobbs has endured a particularly difficult few months, having missed out on the European Championships in the summer through injury after spraining a knee ligament back in May for Arsenal against Aston Villa.

The 29-year-old has returned to fine form for the Gunners, recording two goals in her last three appearances as Jonas Eidevall and Co. continue a perfect start to the season. Meanwhile, Euro 2022 star Hemp has restored City to winning ways after a turgid start to the season saw Gareth Taylor's side record back-to-back losses.

Going into Sunday's clash with Reading, Hemp had notched 13 goal involvements in her last 12 WSL outings for the Citizens. And while she didn't find herself on Sunday's scoresheet, her fingerprints were on all three of City's goals.

Hemp led the line for the Lionesses' friendlies in September, opening the scoring in the emphatic 2-1 victory over reigning world champions USA in front of a baying Wembley crowd.

The Lionesses will conclude a triumphant year with the final international break spent at the Pinatar Arena in Spain in preparation for next summer's Women's World Cup.

England play Japan on November 11, kick-off 7pm, followed by a meeting with Norway, on November 15, kick-off 7pm.

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