Manchester City will begin their Women's Super League title defense without star forward Vivianne Miedema, who has been ruled out for the start of the campaign due to a knee injury.
The 30-year-old Netherlands international's setback is a fresh issue, separate from the knee problems she has dealt with in previous seasons, according to the club. Manchester City have also confirmed that the injury does not involve the anterior cruciate ligament, which will come as some relief given the severity such injuries can carry for players' careers.
Miedema was a key figure for City last season as the club claimed its first WSL title since 2016, ending a lengthy wait for domestic success. The Dutch forward contributed significantly to that triumph, finding the net 10 times in the league while also providing five assists, showcasing both her scoring ability and her role as a creator for teammates.
Despite the injury, last season represented a notably healthier campaign for Miedema compared to previous years. She managed to avoid the recurring fitness issues that plagued her in earlier seasons and was largely available throughout the year. However, once the season concluded, she underwent knee surgery, a procedure that appears to be connected to the timeline of her recovery, though the club has been clear that her current issue is distinct from those past injuries.
The timing of the injury is unfortunate for both player and club, as it means Miedema will not be part of Manchester City's squad when the new WSL season gets underway. The competition kicks off this Friday, with London City Lionesses hosting Manchester United in what promises to be an intriguing curtain-raiser for the campaign.
Manchester City themselves will open their title defense on Sunday afternoon, welcoming newly-promoted Birmingham City to face the champions in what should be a stern early test for the side coming up from the second tier. Without Miedema in the squad, City's coaching staff will need to look to other attacking options to fill the void left by their prolific forward as they aim to start the season strongly and build on last term's championship-winning form.
The club has not provided a specific timeline for Miedema's return, though the confirmation that the injury is not ACL-related suggests the recovery period may not be as extensive as some of the more serious knee injuries that can sideline players for the better part of a season. Fans and teammates alike will be hoping for a swift recovery so that one of the league's most effective attacking players can rejoin the squad as soon as possible.
Miedema's absence represents a significant blow to Manchester City's attacking options as they look to defend their crown. Her combination of goals and assists last season made her one of the standout performers in a title-winning campaign, and replicating that output without her, even temporarily, will pose a challenge for the reigning champions as they navigate the opening weeks of the new WSL season.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.