Miedema to miss start of season with knee injury

WHAT HAPPENED
Manchester City have confirmed striker Vivianne Miedema will be sidelined for the beginning of the Women’s Super League campaign because of a knee problem. The club described the issue as a new knee complaint, distinct from the knee injuries she has had in the past.

Reports add that the Netherlands international, 30, has not sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, although that detail was framed as understood rather than issued as an official medical diagnosis.

KEY CONTEXT
Miedema enjoyed a productive 2023-24 season: she scored 10 league goals and supplied five league assists as City secured the WSL title for the first time since 2016, and she netted 19 goals in 25 appearances in all competitions. Despite a largely injury-free campaign, she underwent knee surgery at the end of the season.

WHY IT MATTERS
Miedema is Manchester City’s principal forward and a central figure in their title-winning attack. Her absence at the start of the season removes a proven goalscorer and creator from Pep Guardiola’s squad selection for the opening fixtures, potentially affecting City’s continuity and offensive options as they begin title defence and domestic fixtures.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Manchester City’s first WSL match is on Sunday when they host newly promoted Birmingham City; the team will begin the campaign without Miedema available.
- The club has not provided a return timeline, so monitoring official medical updates from City will be key to understanding how long she will be out.
- Any further statements clarifying the nature of the injury and rehabilitation plan will determine when she can resume training and selection.

KEY FACTS
- Club confirmed Miedema will miss the start of the WSL season with a knee injury.
- It is reported she has not suffered an ACL injury; the club said the issue is separate from prior knee problems.
- Miedema is 30 years old and a Netherlands international.
- Last season she scored 10 league goals and had five league assists; 19 goals in 25 appearances in all competitions.
- She had knee surgery at the end of last season despite a largely injury-free campaign.