Lauren Hemp Injury: City Forward ‘Will Be in the Squad’ For Leicester Clash
Manchester City and England forward Lauren Hemp is poised put her injury nightmare behind her with a comeback pencilled in for Leicester.
The 24-year-old has spent five months on the sidelines after picking up a knee injury, not featuring since November 8.
Having undergone successful surgery, City’s interim boss, Nick Cushing, said she’ll be “in the squad” to face Leicester on Sunday, April 27 – barring any late setbacks.
“Lauren Hemp will be in the squad for the Leicester game as it stands,” Said Cushing after Sunday’s WSL draw with Everton.
“She’s trained with the team, she probably just didn’t do enough team training to make the game today.
“She’ll definitely be in the squad for Leicester and she’s really hungry to start helping the team.”
Hemp’s return is a much-needed boost for a City side that has struggled to replicate last season’s form. Out of the title race, their slim hopes of a Champions League spot rest on a near-perfect finish and a major slip-up from neighbours Manchester United.
Despite the shortened season, Hemp still tallied two goals and five assists in seven WSL games before her injury – highlighting the kind of impact she could make in the run-in.
Lauren Hemp Injury: A Boost for England
Cushing won’t be the only one pleased by the positive Lauren Hemp injury news. The England star is one of several players racing to regain full fitness in time for the European Championships in Switzerland this July.
The Lionesses could become the country’s first senior team to a defend a major tournament trophy if all goes to plan, having beaten Germany 2-1 at Wembley to win Euro 2022.
City teammate Alex Greenwood is still recovering from a knee injury, as is Bayern Munich’s Georgia Stanway. Versatile operator Lauren James also recently picked up a hamstring injury and will be out for “a period of time.”
Hemp now has three WSL games to prove her readiness – and possibly save City’s season in the process.
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