Lauren Hemp injury: Manchester City gives fresh update on forward

Manchester City's Lauren Hemp will be absent from England's upcoming international friendlies after undergoing "successful knee surgery".

Head coach Gareth Taylor revealed last week that the forward had sustained a "knee issue" in the teams Women's Super League (WSL) meeting with Crystal Palace at the start of November.

As a result, she's been missing from the Cityzens' previous two matchday squads, including their UEFA Women's Champions League 2-0 win over Hammarby and their 2-0 defeat to Chelsea in the WSL.

City have since confirmed Hemp underwent "successful knee surgery and will now return to the City Football Academy to work closely with the club's medical team of her rehabilitation". They've also given no update as to when she's likely to next be available for selection, which is likely to cause further concern.

The forward has already scored twice during the 2024/25 campaign and recorded five assists. The England international will also now miss England's international friendlies this month against the U.S. Women's National Team and Switzerland, alongside injured Lauren James and Ella Toone.

The news will also be a huge blow for the club who's been without Vivianne Miedema since October, after undergoing "minor knee surgery". City were forced to give up their top spot in the WSL to Chelsea after their disappointing loss to the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

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