Manchester City Facing an injury crisis. A team that began the 2024-25 campaign with a 10-match unbeaten run ended the calendar year on a back-to-back losing streak, with four of its most important players sidelined.
Summer signing Vivian Medema Played for two months before needing knee surgery again. Lauren Hamp Suffered a knee injury in November, requiring surgery before. Khadija Shah — the league’s top scorer with nine goals, three more than any other player — was sidelined in early December with a lower leg injury. To add to the woes, the captain and centre-back Alex Greenwood Missed the final two games of the year after being carted off in the final. Champions League Group stage game with knee injury.
It has somewhat derailed City at a critical time of the year, leaving manager Gareth Taylor with some big decisions to make ahead of a packed schedule during the January transfer window. City have signed the German defender. Rebecca Nock Greenwood to fill in, but will likely chase one or two more reinforcements to fill the gap.
City are competing in three major cup competitions — the Champions League knockout stages, the League Cup quarter-finals and the FA Cup fifth round — while also being in a tight title race (they have 22 points). Chelsea (28) weapon (21) And Manchester United For (21). Women’s Super League (WSL) title. Over the next couple of months, rotation will be key to managing the workload.
They opened the second half of the season with a 3–0 win over Ipswich in the FA Cup, but suffered a torrid run up front. Two Manchester derbies — one in the WSL; Second in the League Cup — followed by a crucial WSL clash with Arsenal on February 2. It follows Arsenal’s league clash with Chelsea where City, six points behind the Blues but just one ahead of the Gunners, are arguably the biggest losers.
There are some silver linings, but how widespread are City’s injuries, and how do they cope with six months of hard work to end this season?
Defensive weaknesses and lost direction
Greenwood has been a cornerstone of City’s defence, providing steady leadership that has been the bedrock of their backline since his arrival. Leon In 2020 After starting the season in impressive form, City continued their unbeaten run until a 2–0 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 16 November.
Throughout this period, Greenwood’s leadership was exceptional, orchestrating things from the back with confidence and authority. But after the stretcher was off against him St PaultonThe team now faces another critical gap.
While Taylor initially suggested the injury was not serious, it was later confirmed that Greenwood had suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury, which required surgery. The club has not yet provided a specific timeline for his return, nor have they given any updates on other injuries to the squad, but the recovery could take anywhere from three to 12 months. is Which has fans understandably upset.
In response to Greenwood’s absence, City moved quickly in the January transfer window, securing centre-back Knok from the Swedish champions. Rosengard. Although a nose at senior international level for Germany, Kanak brings valuable experience from several Swedish and German clubs and youth international football, making her a viable alternative. Besides, the city is still there Laya Alexandriawhich has taken an interest. Barcelonaand Alana Kennedy To strengthen the defense. However, neither could replicate Greenwood’s skill or leadership.
City now find themselves without their star defender and most authoritative figure in the locker room, a loss from the former captain’s retirement. Steph Houghton At the end of last season. As Houghton gradually receded from regular game time, Greenwood seamlessly took over the captaincy in his absence, setting himself up to lead the side. The team is left without a guiding force, and their performance suffers, with a clear lack of direction.
In goal, Taylor has preferred the new signing. Ayaka Yamashita More than last season’s Golden Glove winner, Cucumber Keatingwhich has only started a handful. Both goalkeepers have relied heavily on Greenwood’s defensive skills, with the player consistently making key tackles and blocks. Without his commanding presence, the team conceded five goals in the two games he didn’t concede, three in defeats to Barcelona.
One return, two to go.
Meanwhile, the absence of cannabis has left a significant gap in attack, resulting in a significant decrease in clinical finishing, creativity and fluidity. The 24-year-old winger has been a key player for Taylor since signing in 2018, and this is the first time she has been sidelined for an extended period.
In 2021–22, he appeared in all 22 league games and finished fourth in the Golden Boot race with 10 goals. The following season, despite missing a month with a thigh injury, Hamp made a total of 28 appearances in all competitions and scored 21 goals.
Injuries to Hamp, Shaw and Greenwood coincide with the start of City’s decline and highlight just how dependent the team is on its core trio. Without a dynamic Lioness, the harmony established between Hemp, midfield and forwards is disrupted. While players prefer summer signings. Oba Fujino and emerging talent Jess Park has stepped into the role, there has been a noticeable lack of cohesion.
It will be several months before Hamp returns to the City pitch, causing concern for both club and country fans. England Prepare for your upcoming Nations League and Euro 2025 campaigns.
After the winter break, City’s fortunes took a turn with the return of prolific striker and midfielder Medema, who had been absent since October. In his first game back, Miedema scored inside 15 minutes, showing off his natural finishing. While it is a promising sign to see the 29-year-old back in action, it is clear that it will take time for him to fully integrate into the team. Taylor will be careful to avoid another blow to Medema, who have not been at their best in the last two years due to constant injuries.
While Miedema’s return will undoubtedly reignite some of City’s attacking spark, Shaw’s absence leaves a lingering sense of danger. Shaw is one of the WSL’s top scorers, but has also been sidelined with injuries for weeks to months. It consistently exposes the city’s lack of direct, comparable alternatives. Australia International Mary Fowler What’s in the slot but only three goals in the WSL this season.
Taylor has expressed hope that Shaw will return sooner than Greenwood or Hamp, but City should not return him prematurely. Given Shaw’s injury history, any further setback could seriously jeopardize City’s title push.
Kelly’s dilemma
About two and a half years ago, Come on Kelly The winning goal of 2022 drove home. European Championship to give England their first major title since the 1966 Men’s World Cup. Now, the 26-year-old is restricted to the bench, making just one league start in the first 10 games, and failing to even make the squad list for the game against Barcelona.
Reports suggest Kelly is seeking a move away from the club in search of more game time, with the summer Euros in Switzerland the main motivation. England manager Serena Wegman has already expressed concern over Kelly’s lack of minutes.
City could allow Kelly – who has just six months left on his contract – to join another club and bring in a winger who will see more game time and therefore have a bigger impact on the team. . This will help fill the void of hemp until it returns. However, with City’s injury woes, Taylor will likely want to avoid letting go of any senior players, as it will take time for a new face to adjust to City’s style. Having a key winger like Kelly with undeniable talent is beneficial for the club.
Young people like it. Lily Murphy — who scored his first senior goal against him. Hamaribi — and Cody Thomas There has been impressive growth in recent months. While this change in the pecking order has come at Kelly’s expense, it also offers a silver lining. These emerging talents have shown that City’s future is bright, with the next generation leading the team and stepping into key roles.
There are options to fill the gap in the absence of Hamp and Shaw, but it will take a long time to match their combined tally of 11 goals and six assists.