Aoife Mannion is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after it emerged that the Manchester City defender suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
The club confirmed today that Mannion, who signed from Birmingham City in the summer, would shortly undergo surgery on her right knee and could be out for an extended period.
She suffered the injury late in the draw against Atletico Madrid but carried on until the end of the game.
Mannion, who had quickly become an integral part of City’s defence, sent a message to fans.
She said:
“Thank you for all the lovely comforting messages of support sent my way.
“I’ve ruptured my ACL and so I’ll be out fro the game for some time.
“I’m not sure what the road to recovery will look like but I do know that the path has been well trodden by many women in the game before me.
“I’m so lucky to be at a club there I’m surrounded by teams of physios, doctors and S&C coaches that will manage every detail of my recovery.
“I have such respect and admiration for most players who have worked themselves back to fitness with far less support than I will have.
“For now I will have to fan girl my team from the sideline rather than beside them on the pitch.”
City have cover at right back with Matilde Fidalgo set to step in for tomorrow’s Manchester derby in the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup game to be played at Leigh Sports Village.
They might also welcome back at least one of the attacking trio of Georgia Stanway, Pauline Bremer, and Ellen White who have each had injury concerns this season.
City have a 100% record in the WSL this term and beat Manchester United 1-0 with a Caroline Weir goal in their opening game of the season.