Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor says Vivianne Miedema is targeting a return to first-team action in January following knee surgery.
The 28-year-old forward has not featured since City’s Champions League group-stage victory over Barcelona on October 9.
The club confirmed on October 30 she had undergone knee surgery but no timeframe for her return was disclosed. Taylor explained Miedema will not play before the Women’s Super League’s (WSL) winter break but is progressing in her comeback.
“Viv is back on the pitch which is great,” Taylor said. “The reality is we won’t see her in these next three games before we break. But looking forward to getting her back in early January for when we restart which is a big boost for everyone.”
Miedema returned from 11 months out with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in October 2023. She then underwent “minor” knee surgery in March 2024 and was limited to nine WSL appearances for Arsenal last season.
The WSL’s all-time top scorer joined City on a free transfer in the summer and netted two goals in five appearances this term before being sidelined.
Taylor also confirmed winger Chloe Kelly would be “touch and go” for Thursday’s Champions League tie against St. Polten, having not featured since withdrawing from the England squad this month after sustaining a concussion against the USWNT.
“Chloe Kelly is close,” Taylor added. “Touch and go for tomorrow’s game just with (concussion) protocol.”
City will continue to be without Lauren Hemp for Thursday’s fixture, with the winger also undergoing knee surgery in November. Taylor explained last week the surgery had been to address a meniscus issue sustained during November’s victory over Crystal Palace, and while the City head coach was unable to provide a timeframe for the England international’s return, he said she would not play before the winter break.
“(Lauren’s) surgery was really successful, that’s the positive news,” Taylor said on Friday. “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.”
(Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
