Manchester City is set to welcome back star forward Vivianne Miedema for Sunday's FA Cup encounter against Ipswich, marking her first appearance since October. The news comes as a significant relief for the club, which has been grappling with multiple player injuries.
Head coach Gareth Taylor expressed optimism during Friday's press conference while emphasizing a cautious approach to Miedema's return. "We have Viv back, which is a real positive," Taylor confirmed. "We're not going to be able to go straight into it with her. We're gonna have to build her back up." The coach particularly emphasized Miedema's impact on team dynamics, stating, "She really helps other players perform even better. She gives so much time and space to other players, as well as being really quality in herself."
The club has been managing a challenging injury situation with several key players out of action. Lauren Hemp, Bunny Shaw, Alex Greenwood, Risa Shimizu, and Sandy MacIver have all been sidelined. Hemp, Greenwood, and Miedema underwent consecutive knee surgeries between October and December, while Shaw has been recovering from a lower leg injury sustained before the holiday break. Both Shimizu and MacIver continue their rehabilitation from ACL injuries.
Providing an update on Shaw's condition, Taylor noted: "Bunny was with us last week, which was good. She was out training separately, but from what I saw, she looked really good, she feels really good." While the exact timeline for Shaw's return remains undetermined, the coaching staff maintains an optimistic outlook.
In a strategic move to address defensive vulnerabilities following Greenwood's injury, City has secured the services of Rebecca Knaak from Swedish side Rosengard during the January transfer window. The former Germany youth international is anticipated to make her debut in the upcoming FA Cup fixture. Knaak's acquisition comes with strong credentials, having previously collaborated with City's newly appointed director of women's football, Therese Sjogran.
These developments arrive at a crucial juncture as City prepares for two critical Manchester derbies in January, spanning both league and League Cup quarter-final competitions. While Miedema's return and Knaak's arrival strengthen the squad, the team must still navigate these crucial matches without Hemp and Shaw.
