Why is Kelly not an automatic starter for Arsenal or England?
Rarely a starter for Arsenal, the 28-year-old managed just nine minutes off the bench in England's recent World Cup qualifiers with Spain and Iceland. As the Gunners' attentions turn to a Champions League semi-final against Lyon on Sunday, BBC Sport assesses why Kelly is not an automatic choice for either club or country. Watch live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer and listen to commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds.
Follow streams of both, plus live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app. In 2022-23, fresh off her Euros heroics, Kelly was an integral part of Gareth Taylor's Manchester City side and started all but one of their Women's Super League fixtures. Dogged by injuries, she has made more appearances off the bench in the past three years than she has started games, with her time at City unravelling before her switch to Arsenal in January 2025.
Shortly before that move, Kelly went public on a "disappointing" and "not right" , external situation having started just one match for City in the WSL in 2024-25. The move to Emirates Stadium began promisingly. She started nine of Arsenal's remaining 14 games, including the Champions League final victory over Barcelona.
Then, came the latest pivotal episode in her career, a semi-final winner against Italy at Euro 2025 and that trophy-clinching penalty in the final. Consigned to the Arsenal bench after starting - and scoring - on the opening day, Kelly then spent the best part of four months on the sidelines with a knee problem. She did at least start the three WSL games before the international break in March, scoring a hat-trick against West Ham, and started - and scored - in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final with Chelsea.
One week later though, she was alongside the subs again for the return at Stamford Bridge. 'I've accepted my future is not at this club' - Kelly Kelly back to 'best version' before Arsenal's crucial week In 14 appearances off the bench for her club, she has managed just one goal and two assists. Team-mate Stina Blackstenius, an even more perennial substitute, dwarfs Kelly's impact as a substitute.