Shaw not ready to face Man Utd but return 'imminent'

Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw will not be available for Sunday's Women's Super League derby against Manchester United.

Jamaican international Shaw has been unavailable through injury since early December and is one of several key players missing for City.

As well as Shaw - this season's WSL top-scorer with nine goals in as many matches - City will be without captain Alex Greenwood and creative forward Lauren Hemp.

Asked when they might return, manager Gareth Taylor said: "Alex [Greenwood] and Lauren [Hemp] are in a good place. We know that their return is not immediate.

"Bunny [Shaw] is a lot closer, pretty imminent, we're just trying to make sure we check off a few of the markers that the medical team need to be happy with in order to be ready for this really busy period we're going into.

"This weekend will be too soon for Bunny but I think outside of that, she's starting to move really closer to those next couple of games."

Taylor was also asked about the club's recruitment plans with two weeks remaining of the January transfer window.

City have reportedly signed Brazil forward Kerolin on a three-year-deal, while defender Alanna Kennedy and England international Chloe Kelly are among those who could leave the club.

"It's really difficult obviously, to give you any news while there's many wheels of the cog that are still whirring and we're working tremendously hard behind the scenes to try help and support the squad a little bit more," said Taylor.

"Once it's finalised, we'll be able to let you know. We understand that in this transfer window, there's not just going to be movement into clubs, there's going to be movement out."

On Kerolin, he added: "I think it's really difficult for me to comment on a player that is not officially ours.

"There's a lot of speculation out there but we like to do things in the right way."

Manchester City forward Kelly is seeking regular game time to ensure she keeps her place in the England squad for Euro 2025 but Taylor said she remains a "valued" player for as long as she is at the club.

"We have good history together. While she's here, she's the same as every other player," added Taylor.

"She's considered, she's valued and whether she plays or doesn't play, she's a part of what we're doing. Anything beyond that is really difficult for me to kind of speculate on."