DETAILS: Manchester City Women’s captain Alex Greenwood is set for a significant spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery to repair her medial collateral ligament (MCL). Greenwood sustained the injury in a collision with St. Pölten’s Melanie Brunnthaler during City’s Champions League triumph last week.
A statement from the club confirmed:
“Alex Greenwood has undergone a repair of her MCL and will now begin her rehabilitation at the City Football Academy, working closely with our medical team.”
Although no official timeline for her return has been shared, Greenwood’s absence adds to a mounting injury crisis for Gareth Taylor’s squad.
City’s prolific striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, who has scored nine goals in as many Women’s Super League games this season, is also sidelined with a lower leg injury. The Jamaican international is expected to return only after the winter break. Additionally, Lauren Hemp and Vivianne Miedema remain out with long-term knee injuries.
RECALL: Greenwood’s injury is a massive blow for both City and England. The 31-year-old defender has been a cornerstone in Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses squad, earning 96 caps since her debut in 2014.
With the European Championships looming next summer, Greenwood will be eager to recover in time to contribute to England’s campaign in Switzerland.
The Lionesses are defending champions and will face France, the Netherlands, and Wales in Group D of the tournament, which kicks off on July 2. Before then, they have six UEFA Nations League matches to navigate, offering crucial preparation.
QUOTES:
Club statement on Greenwood’s recovery:
“Alex will return to the City Football Academy to work closely with the club’s medical team on her rehabilitation.”
On the broader injury crisis, Gareth Taylor recently noted:
“We’re stretched, no doubt about it. Injuries to key players like Alex and Khadija test the squad depth, but we’ll keep pushing forward.”
CITATIONS:
This report is based on the information from:
- Manchester City FC Official Statement
- UEFA Women’s Champions League Match Reports
- Lionesses Squad Announcements
KEEP IN MIND: Greenwood’s injury comes at a critical juncture for Manchester City, with domestic and European competitions intensifying. For England, her fitness is equally vital as they look to defend their European title.
While her recovery timeline remains uncertain, both club and country will be hoping for a speedy return from their trusted defender.
