Gareth Taylor says Laia Aleixandri could be in contention to start in City’s clash with Leicester this weekend.
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And the boss provided more on Lauren Hemp’s condition after the England international underwent successful knee surgery in November.
Spanish defender Aleixandri has been absent since the Blues’ 2-1 win over Aston Villa in October after picking up an injury while on international duty shortly after our Villans triumph.
Meanwhile, Hemp hasn’t been available following our 4-0 win over Spurs at the Etihad Stadium last month having suffered an issue in our victory over Crystal Palace the week before.
Now, Taylor has explained the skilful winger’s problem is with her meniscus and that he hopes she will return as close to the new year as possible.
However, he says Aleixandri could be back on the pitch this Sunday as City welcome the Foxes to the Joie Stadium.
[Laia’s] a possible starter,” he revealed.
“We’ll have to manage her in the right way, since the last international break she got injured with Spain and we weren’t able to use her in the last run of games before this break.
“We’ll have to get these next four games right so she’s in the best place.
“She’s been able to train with us for the last two weeks so we have got the right work into her which is good because we can be in control of her physical capabilities rather than losing her to internationals.
“[Lauren’s] surgery was really successful, that’s the positive news. It was an issue that needed taking care of, similar in a way to Viv.
“As for estimated return, it’s really difficult because each player is different. It will be the new year, there’s no doubt. We won’t see her in the next run of four games.
“Hopefully, the closer that is to New Year the better for us. For someone like Lauren, they have quick recovery powers.
“Having her back would be amazing because Lauren and Viv they are key players to miss. It was a meniscus issue, when you hear knee injury everyone thinks of the worst which is ACL.
“Lauren did it in the game against Palace and played against Spurs which tells you it wasn’t too significant but significant enough to miss these games.”
Additionally, Taylor revealed Chloe Kelly won’t be available for the meeting with Leicester this weekend.
The England international withdrew from the Lionesses squad for their meeting with Switzerland after sustaining a concussion in Sarina Wiegman’s side’s 0-0 draw with USA at Wembley Stadium.
She returned to the Club for further assessment and rehabilitation which Taylor explained will keep her from facing the Foxes on Sunday 8 December.
He added: “Chloe had a nasty one, it was innocent but nasty.
“That type of situation is dangerous and she’ll be under concussion protocol. She was feeling a bit groggy but hopefully she’s feeling a bit better now.
“She will miss this weekend but should be back for the one after.”