The Women’s Super League is set to return this weekend after the conclusion of the October international break. Several stars prepare to rebound from injury as the league action returns.
Find out which WSL players may be fit for a potential return to the pitch, as well as who is set for another frustrating week on the sidelines.
Manchester City recently confirmed that Vivianne Miedema has undergone “successful knee surgery” during the international break. Despite confirmation that Miedema “will now begin a period of rehabilitation at the City Football Academy”, the club are yet to provide a possible timeline for her return.
Miedema will therefore not travel to London with the Cityzens to face Crystal Palace this Sunday.
Chelsea star Lauren James withdrew from international duty last week, after picking up a calf injury during the warm-up before Chelsea’s UEFA Women’s Champions League meeting with FC Twente.
Whilst a potential return date for James remains unclear, the Chelsea star will be absent for this weekend’s match against Everton at Goodison Park.
Catarina Macario will remain absent for Chelsea’s trip to Merseyside this weekend, after the USWNT star remained in London over the international work to work on her return to full fitness.
Blues head coach Sonia Bompastor said Macario’s return is imminent, but the time was “too short for this weekend.”
Summer signing Hayley Raso has been missing in action for Tottenham Hotspur since the beginning of October, after sustaining a soft tissue injury. Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn provided a positive update regarding her fitness ahead of Sunday’s meeting with West Ham.
“Everybody is back in training. There will be decision making tomorrow on whether they are ready to start or be in the squad for Sunday,” said Vilahamn.
Jayde Riviere was absent from international duty with Canada this month, after picking up a knock before Manchester United’s recent WSL match against Tottenham at Leigh Sports Village.
United manager Marc Skinner provided the all-clear for Riviere, noting that she is “available” to face Arsenal this Sunday.
United number 9 Melvine Malard is set for a return against the Gunners, having missed recent WSL fixtures due to a hamstring strain.
Malard, who scored against Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village last season, has been “cleared to be involved in the squad.”
Lotte Wubben-Moy did not feature for England during the international window after “a minor setback” in her recovery from concussion.
The Arsenal defender was absent for the side’s WSL victory over West Ham United earlier in the month, and the injury cloud continues to loom over her as the Gunners prepare for an important match against Manchester United on Sunday.
Interim head coach Renee Slegers confirmed that Wubben-Moy is still a question for Sunday, noting “she was back in training but got some symptoms”.
With Gunners centre-back pairing Leah Williamson and Laia Codina both currently at full-fitness, it is unlikely that Wubben-Moy will start for Arsenal regardless of her injury status.
Devastating news came out of Leicester City this week after the club confirmed that young striker Noemie Mouchon has ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Foxes manager Amandine Miquel confirmed that Mouchon “will be out for the season.”
