Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor provided important updates on two of the club's key players, Alex Greenwood and Khadija Shaw, who have both been affected by injuries.
In the recent Women’s Champions League match against St Polten, City emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline, but the match was overshadowed by an injury to captain Alex Greenwood. Greenwood was stretchered off in the 32nd minute after a collision with St Polten's Melanie Brunnthaler. The injury, which led to Greenwood's early departure, is a major concern for City, especially as they are already dealing with a number of injuries in their squad. Taylor emphasized how crucial Greenwood's leadership and presence on the pitch are to the team, and he expressed hope that her injury is not too severe. While the exact nature of the injury is still being assessed, Taylor stated that the team would need to evaluate her condition thoroughly before making any decisions regarding her return.
Despite Greenwood’s injury, City managed to secure the three points, with a debut goal from Lily Murphy contributing to the win. However, Barcelona's win against Hammarby means that City has yet to confirm the top spot in Group D of the Champions League, so there is still work to be done in the remaining group matches.
Looking ahead, Taylor also provided an update on Khadija Shaw, City's top scorer this season with 14 goals. Shaw missed the match against St Polten due to an injury she sustained during training earlier in the week. Unfortunately, Shaw's injury is expected to keep her out of action for at least the next few weeks, meaning she is unlikely to play in City's upcoming matches against Everton or Barcelona before the Christmas break. Shaw’s absence is a significant blow for City, as she has been a standout performer this season. Taylor admitted that her absence, along with other injuries to key players like Miedema and Lauren Hemp, has created some challenges for the team, but they remain optimistic that they can overcome these setbacks.
Taylor also discussed the team's injury situation, mentioning that the club will need to assess Greenwood’s condition in the coming days. He stressed that with just two more games before the holiday break, it is crucial that they manage their injuries effectively. "We have two games to get through," he said, acknowledging that the team's depth will be tested in the coming weeks. Losing key players like Greenwood and Shaw could have a significant impact on City’s performance, but Taylor is hopeful that these injuries will not sideline the players for long.
Regarding Shaw's injury, Taylor noted that the club has already conducted multiple scans but is still uncertain about her exact return timeline. "I'm not too sure," he admitted, regarding when Shaw would be fit to play again. However, he remains hopeful that after the break, both Greenwood and Shaw will recover swiftly and be able to rejoin the team as City pushes towards the latter stages of the season.
In the meantime, Manchester City will continue to rely on the strength and depth of their squad to navigate through their remaining fixtures. With a number of crucial matches coming up, including a potential decider against Barcelona, Taylor will be hoping for quick recoveries for his injured players to ensure the team can maintain their strong form both domestically and in Europe.
