Gareth Taylor provides Man City injury update ahead of Leicester City clash

Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor has given an update on the fitness of his squad ahead of Sunday’s Women’s Super League (WSL) clash against Leicester City.

The Manchester club are currently second in the league standings after eight games, five points behind title rivals Chelsea. City are three ahead of Brighton, and four clear of both Manchester United and Arsenal.

Over the last two weeks, the players have been away with their respective national teams for the final international window of the year. City now have four games remaining before the winter break, including two WSL games against Leicester and Everton, as well as Champions League clashes at home to St. Polten and away at Barcelona.

It was confirmed last month that winger Lauren Hemp had undergone a successful knee surgery and rehabilitation work was already underway. Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s meeting with the Foxes, Taylor provided further details on the extent of the 24-year-old’s injury and her expected return date.

“[Lauren’s] surgery was really successful, that’s the positive news,” he said. “It was an issue that needed taking care of, similar in a way to Viv [Miedema].

“As for an estimated return, it’s really difficult because each player is different. It will be the new year, there’s no doubt. We won’t see her in the next run of four games.

“Hopefully, the closer that is to New Year the better for us. For someone like Lauren, they have quick recovery powers.

“Having her back would be amazing because Lauren and Viv they are key players to miss. It was a meniscus issue, when you hear knee injury everyone thinks of the worst which is ACL.

“Lauren did it in the game against Palace and played against Spurs which tells you it wasn’t too significant but significant enough to miss these games.”

Spain international Laia Aleixandri has been sidelined since City’s 2-1 triumph over Aston Villa back in October. In a positive update, Taylor confirmed the defender could be available for selection again as early as this weekend.

“[Laia’s] a possible starter,” he continued. “We’ll have to manage her in the right way, since the last international break she got injured with Spain and we weren’t able to use her in the last run of games before this break.

“We’ll have to get these next four games right so she’s in the best place. She’s been able to train with us for the last two weeks so we have got the right work into her which is good because we can be in control of her physical capabilities rather than losing her to internationals.”

Chloe Kelly became the latest player to join City’s injury list when she picked up a knock during England’s 0-0 draw against the USA last week. The attacker came on as a late substitute at Wembley Stadium but sustained a concussion during the 20 minutes she spent on the pitch.

She returned to her club ahead of the Lionesses’ friendly against Switzerland earlier this week due to concussion protocol, and Taylor confirmed she will also miss this weekend’s WSL game.

“Chloe had a nasty one, it was innocent but nasty,” the manager concluded. “That type of situation is dangerous and she’ll be under concussion protocol. 

“She was feeling a bit groggy but hopefully she’s feeling a bit better now. She will miss this weekend but should be back for the one after.”

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