Taylor on Shaw, Miedema and Layzell fitness ahead of Aston Villa

Gareth Taylor says Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, Vivianne Miedema and Naomi Layzell could all play some part against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Shaw has not featured since the victory over Leicester at the start of December, while Layzell last played in the trip to FC Barcelona a month ago.

Miedema played and scored in the Etihad Manchester derby last weekend before sitting out Wednesday night’s Subway League Cup win at Manchester United.

Taylor says all three trained this morning, while the majority of the squad focused on recovery following that quarter-final victory at Leigh Sports Village.

Speaking in Thursday’s press conference ahead of a quick turnaround before travelling for a 12:00 (UK) kick-off on Saturday, Taylor was positive about the chances of the trio making the matchday squad.

“We had a training group today but everyone playing last night was in recovery,” he began.

WATCH: Gareth Taylor Press Conference - WSL - Aston Villa (A)

“There will have been a lack of sleep after getting back late last night because even though it’s a derby it’s still a bit of a journey over to Leigh.

“The players looked good this morning, we did a review and then split off.

“We had a small group out on the pitch which included Bunny Shaw, Viv [Miedema], Naomi Layzell, potentially we’re looking a bit stronger certainly from the sidelines this weekend.

"Even when missing some key players, it would be nice to get the likes of Bunny back potentially for some of the game."

Meanwhile, Khiara Keating will undergo examination before deciding if she is fit to play at Villa Park.

The goalkeeper took a heavy blow late in last night’s game and had to sit out the final few minutes.

“She’s okay. A little shook up but she was pretty good straight after the game with the other players,” said Taylor.

“It was a nasty blow but very brave from her. She’ll check in with the medical team and see how she goes.”

WATCH: Extended Highlights: City 2-1 Aston Villa

City have bolstered the squad this month with Rebecca Knaak, Aemu Oyama and Kerolin Nicoli all coming in so far.

Knaak has hit the ground running, playing all three games since her arrival, while Taylor says Oyama and Kerolin will need a little more time to be ready.

“It’s difficult,” he said.

“Obviously Oyama’s done a bit more in terms of training but comes off a break in Japan and Kerolin similar with less training.

“We need to manage them the right way so they feel ready and strong to go into what we need them to.

“Neither are probably ready to start, we need to be mindful of that and are really pushing on the resource of the others.”

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