Andrée Jeglertz says he’s hopeful Niamh Charles could be set for her Manchester City debut this weekend.
Our summer signing picked up a small injury during our pre-season preparations which has seen Charles sidelined for the opening weeks of 2026/27.
But the 27-year-old has been hard at work at the City Football Academy and now looks to be back at full fitness and provide extra depth in defence during our busy fixture schedule, starting with our trip to Charlton on Saturday 26 September, with kick-off at The Vallery set for 13:30 (UK).
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“I definitely hope that Niamh Charles can be back,” said Jeglertz.
And on how the team has recovered from our 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich on Tuesday, including Iman Beney who missed out due to a head injury sustained against Liverpool last week, Jeglertz added: “It’s two days after the game and there is still soreness in a lot of players, which is natural.
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“But I’m pretty sure everybody will be fit and ready tomorrow and for Saturday.”
Our trip to Charlton will be our first Barclays Women’s Super League clash against the newly promoted London outfit.
The Addicks secured their spot in the English top-flight after their penalty shootout win over Leicester in the WSL playoff match to complete an impressive 2025/26 which saw them place third in the WSL 2.
And despite their difficult start to the new campaign, in which they are yet to earn a league point, Jeglertz anticipates Charlton to push us physically and mentally.
“When you play a team like Charlton who have been struggling they will definitely not accept us just creating, scoring chances,” Jeglertz explained.
“They will probably defend in their own half, I expect that. Focusing on set plays and transition moments and all those small chances they are getting.
“[We have] to make sure we don’t get stressed, having patience in our attacks, good positions in rest defence if we lose the ball and making sure we’re there, playing that game and not thinking about anything else.
“That game is the most important game ahead of us and being present then we’ll have greater opportunities to get a good performance and result.”
A football manager gestures while speaking during a press conference. The backdrop includes logos of Asahi, Barclays WSL, Charlton Athletic, and Manchester City. Text reads 'Manager's Preview'.
A goalkeeper wearing Manchester City's pink kit, featuring the club's logo and Etihad Airways sponsor. The player is wearing black gloves.
A group of people, including children, pose in front of a ribbon with text above reading 'Nedum returns to his roots to open COMMUNITY SPACE' alongside Manchester City and Healthy Goals logos.