Yahoo Sports Layzell added to squad for Barcelona clash, says Taylor
Gareth Taylor says Naomi Layzell is in contention to feature against Barcelona on Wednesday.
We are in Catalonia to face the defending champions in our final UEFA Women’s Champions League match of the group stage.
It kicks off at 17:45 (UK) with City knowing that a positive result will see us finish top of Group D.
And Layzell, who scored the opener in our memorable 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture at the Joie Stadium in October before being forced off, could play a part.
The defender has been unavailable for selection since that night with an ankle problem.
Barcelona v City | Match preview
That has been one of many ongoing fitness issues in our squad, with the likes of Laura Coombs, Lauren Hemp, Alex Greenwood, Vivianne Miedema, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw and Risa Shimizu all currently ruled out.
However, Taylor had positive news about Layzell in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.
“It’s quite a quick turnaround in terms of timing for the recovery [from Sunday’s match with Everton]. Players were back out on pitch today after the recovery session,” he began.
“In a sense of where are we in terms of players coming back into it, we’re pretty much as we were with the addition of Naomi Layzell into the squad.
“We’ve not seen her since [Barcelona] which obviously is a frustration for us and for her as well.
“But of course having a player like that coming back who’s new to the club and to us in terms of how we do things but shown on that occasion what an exciting talent she is.”
WATCH: Highlights: City 2-0 Barcelona
Our 100% record in the competition so far means we have already qualified for the quarter-final no matter the result on Wednesday.
Even so, we will still be looking to secure top spot and maintain our perfect run in this season’s competition to date.
Taylor is anticipating a daunting test from a Barcelona side that have won this competition in three of the last four seasons.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge tomorrow, I think obviously we look slightly different to the first game but potentially so do Barcelona,” he stated.
“It’s a game we’re looking forward to and we want to finish strong in this competition as so far we’ve been strong in the first five games.”
“I think I spoke previously straight after the presser when we beat Barcelona.
“The sign of a truly top team is one that reacts in the right manner. Since then they’ve been on a very good run which is expected because everyone expects them to win a lot.
“It’s not surprised me because I know the level of expectation at Barca. Are they more robust now I don’t know, will they have a point to prove, maybe but that’s the exciting part.
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“I’ve played Barca three times in my time as head coach and been fortunate in the outcome of two of those games but they’ve been different players in those games and what Barca have done in the past few years.
“I want us to be there, and we have a long way to go.
“We proved on a special night for us that we can compete and beat one of the best in a long time but the challenge is small steps.”
Barcelona v City app coverage
The Official Man City App will provide comprehensive coverage of our trip to Barcelona.
Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre 90 minutes before kick-off. During the game you can also listen to live audio commentary while our text commentary continues.
Make sure you have push notification turned on as well, so you can be alerted to key moments in the action including goals, red cards and team news.
Highlights and a CITY+ full-match replay will be available at 23:00 (UK) on Wednesday night in the United Kingdom only before being made available the following day.
