Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor has provided an injury update on key players Lauren Hemp, Laia Aleixandri, and Chloe Kelly ahead of this weekend’s Women’s Super League (WSL) match against Leicester City at the Joie Stadium.
Currently sitting second in the WSL standings, five points behind Chelsea, Manchester City are looking to maintain their momentum with four crucial matches before the winter break, including two league fixtures against Leicester and Everton, as well as Champions League clashes against St. Polten and Barcelona.
Lauren Hemp Injury Update
Lauren Hemp, who underwent successful knee surgery last month, is currently recovering and will not feature in City’s next four matches. Taylor shared positive news on her surgery, revealing that it was necessary but not as severe as initially feared. Hemp’s meniscus issue, which she sustained during the match against Crystal Palace, is not as serious as an ACL injury, and she played through the discomfort in the following game against Spurs.
While Hemp’s return is not expected until the new year, Taylor expressed hope that she would recover quickly, given her history of fast recovery. “Having her back would be amazing because Lauren, like Viv [Miedema], is a key player,” Taylor stated. “We won’t see her in the next four games, but hopefully, she’ll be back soon after the turn of the year.”
Laia Aleixandri Set to Return
In a positive update, Taylor confirmed that Laia Aleixandri could be available for selection against Leicester. The Spain international has been sidelined since October after picking up an injury during City’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa. Aleixandri has now returned to full training after missing the last run of matches due to injury and international duty.
“[Laia’s] a possible starter,” Taylor confirmed. “We’ll manage her in the right way, but she’s been able to train with us for the last two weeks, and we’ve got the right work into her. It’s good because we’ve been able to control her physical progress instead of losing her to international duties.”
Chloe Kelly’s Concussion Setback
Chloe Kelly is the latest player to join City’s injury list after picking up a concussion during England’s 0-0 draw with the USA. Kelly came on as a substitute in the friendly at Wembley but sustained the injury during her 20-minute appearance. She has since returned to Manchester City and will miss this weekend’s WSL clash as part of the concussion protocol.
“It was a nasty situation, but it was an innocent incident,” Taylor explained. “She’s feeling a bit groggy, but hopefully, she’s feeling better now. She will miss this weekend’s game but should be back for the following one.”
Conclusion
As Manchester City prepares for a busy schedule, Taylor’s injury updates provide a mixed picture. While Hemp will be out for a few months, Aleixandri is nearing a return, and Kelly’s concussion will keep her sidelined for this weekend’s match. City will look to continue their strong form as they face Leicester and prepare for their upcoming Champions League and WSL fixtures.
