Khadija Shaw’s Fitness in Question Ahead of Champions League Clash
Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw is racing against time to recover for Wednesday’s UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final match against Chelsea, following a hamstring injury she sustained during Saturday’s Women’s League Cup final.
Shaw exited the pitch with just 10 minutes remaining in City’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea, a critical moment as her team required a goal to keep their hopes alive. The Jamaican forward engaged in a fierce contest with Chelsea’s Millie Bright throughout the game, appearing to struggle before being substituted.
Manager’s Update on Shaw’s Condition
City’s interim manager, Nick Cushing, addressed concerns regarding Shaw’s injury after the match, clarifying that her issue was related to her hamstring and not the rough tackles she faced during the encounter.
“She did take a few heavy knocks, but I don’t believe that contributed to the injury,” Cushing stated, as reported by Goal.com. “She’s feeling discomfort in her hamstring, and we will evaluate her condition. She’s a pivotal player for us, so we are hopeful she will be fit for Wednesday. If she’s not, we’ll have to find another way to compete.”
Challenging Schedule Ahead for Manchester City
The possible absence of last season’s WSL Golden Boot winner presents a significant challenge for Manchester City as they face Chelsea four times in just 12 days. The two teams will meet for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday, followed by a Women’s Super League match on Sunday, and then the second leg of their European tie the following week.
Shaw’s Impact on Team Performance
Shaw’s availability is crucial for Manchester City, especially considering her key role in their attack. As highlighted by Goal.com, when she was injured towards the end of last season, it coincided with City losing their lead in the WSL title race. While the squad has added more attacking options, including Vivianne Miedema, Shaw remains a nearly irreplaceable asset within the team.
Manchester City will be eagerly awaiting updates from their medical team as they prepare for Wednesday’s Champions League face-off against Chelsea, aiming for a strong start in their pursuit of European glory.
