Manchester City Manager Taylor Provides Update on Alex Greenwood’s Knee Injury, Stating It Is ‘Not As Serious As Feared’

Manchester City’s manager, Gareth Taylor, has stated that captain Alex Greenwood’s knee injury is “not as serious as feared.” Greenwood has participated in every match for the club this season. The England international defender, Greenwood, was removed from the field on a stretcher during the first half of Thursday’s Champions League victory against St Polten, following on-pitch treatment. The 31-year-old appeared to be in significant pain, collapsing immediately after an awkward tackle involving opposing forward Melanie Brunnthaler. Speaking to BBC Sport prior to City’s Women’s Super League fixture against Everton on Sunday, Taylor commented: “I think it’s not as serious as everyone feared, obviously with Alex being stretchered off. “We’re still awaiting conversation with the consultant just to find out exactly what the timeframe looks like. “Alex is good, I saw her on Friday and she was feeling a little bit sore, obviously, but she’s fine.” Steph Houghton, a former captain for City, mentioned that she had conversed with her former team-mate Greenwood, stating: “She’s doing ok. You know what she’s like, she’ll be absolutely devastated to be missing football games, but the main thing is she’s positive. “She’s in a lot of pain now but at the same time she is just looking forward to getting back on the recovery.” Nevertheless, Taylor indicated that Greenwood’s unavailability would pose “really difficult” challenges for City, given that several other key players are also sidelined due to injury. He further remarked: “She has been crucial to what we have done not just this season but seasons past.” Vivianne Miedema and Lauren Hemp are presently out of action due to long-term knee injuries, and Taylor confirmed that forward Khadija Shaw is not expected to return before the winter break. Shaw, who is City’s leading scorer with nine goals in nine league appearances this season, has been absent from the last two matches due to a lower leg problem, and Taylor noted that she has consulted a specialist. He stated: “She needs more extensive investigation.” He added: “Similar to Alex, we are waiting for more medical information before we can hatch a plan.”