Alisha Lehmann to sit out Euro 2022 as she does not feel 'mentally ready' | OneFootball

Switzerland have announced that Alisha Lehmann will not participate at Euro 2022 as she does not feel mentally prepared for the tournament.

The forward has earned 34 caps for her country since making her debut as an 18-year-old back in 2017, scoring seven goals.

Manager Nils Nielsen has emphasised that the door will always remain open for Lehmann's international return.

"It's a personal decision," Lehmann said in a statement released on the Swiss Football Association's official website. "I don't feel mentally ready for a European tournament."

Switzerland are in Group C at Euro 2022 alongside reigning champions the Netherlands, Olympic silver medalists Sweden and Portugal.

Die Nati begin their Euro 2022 preparations with an international camp in Switzerland in June, and will face Germany and hosts England in pre-tournament friendlies. Nils Nielsen's side then kick off the tournament proper against Portugal at Leigh Sports Village on 9 July.

"We wish Alisha all the best," added Nielsen. "If the timing is right for everyone, the door to the national team will remain open. The priority for us now is to work with those players who are 100% motivated and ready for the European Championship."

Lehmann was recently named Aston Villa Supporters' Player of the Year for the 2021/22 WSL campaign in what was her debut season for the club.

The forward joined the Villans from West Ham in the summer, and featured in 21 of her side's 22 WSL matches during her maiden campaign in the Midlands, chipping in with two goals and two assists as Villa finished ninth.