Gareth Taylor, Manchester City's coach, revealed the latest developments regarding his team's fitness in preparation for facing Everton in the Women's Super League on Sunday.
City captain Alex Greenwood was substituted from the Women's Champions League clash with St. Pölten on Thursday night in the 30th minute. The England defender appeared to fall awkwardly on her knee and was taken off the ground on a stretcher.
“We're waiting for the scan to be done today, so we're just waiting for the results,” Taylor said. “We hope she's OK because she's played a crucial role in what we've done this season. Our thoughts are with Alex, and we hope it goes quickly.”
Despite losing their captain in the early stages of the match, City managed to win 2-0 over St. Pölten. The coach praised his team's resilience that night.
“I have to give full credit to the girls, they adapted and got the job done,” Taylor said.
“We're having a tough time at the moment with injuries, but I don't see any kind of complaining about it at all from anyone. It is what it is, we have to deal with it, and we will be.” In a much better place, it gives us a chance, we adapt to the conditions and we still win the game, which is really impressive.
The injury problems do not stop there for the Citizens, as Taylor confirmed that star striker Khadija Shaw will be out until the new year due to a lower leg injury that “just needs a more thorough investigation.” The head coach confirmed that Shaw will undergo tests to determine the extent of the problem.
The City boss also provided an update on Jill Roord, who did not feature in the midweek clash with St. Pölten.
Taylor commented, “There was an opportunity to take advantage of her last night and we didn't really want to. We didn't have to do that in the end, which was good for her.”
The 51-year-old has given the green light to Chloe Kelly, who will be available for Sunday's WSL meeting. “Chloe trained today and looked good,” Taylor said. “If I come out safe tomorrow, I think that's an option for us at the weekend as well.”
