Manchester City’s hopes of a first Women’s Super League title in eight years suffered a blow after the division’s top scorer Khadijah ‘Bunny’ Shaw was ruled out for the rest of the season.
Shaw suffered a foot injury in last weekend’s 5-0 win over West Ham and a scan revealed she will be forced to miss the final three fixtures of the WSL season, as City eye 2016. The first is the title.
Gareth Taylor’s side can move six points clear of defending champions Chelsea if they beat Bristol City this weekend, although Emma Hayes’ side will have two games in hand.
The title race may come down to goal difference, but City have a tough test to overcome and host Arsenal in the final match of the season next weekend. City then visit Aston Villa on the final day.
They will do so without Shaw, who has scored 21 goals in 18 WSL appearances this season and is set to win the Golden Boot.
“We have a problem with Bunny, she has a foot injury that will keep her out. [Bristol City] Definitely and potentially a long game,” Taylor said.
“It’s so hard for Bunny because he had an unbelievable season.”
Earlier, England women’s star Lauren Hamp has signed a new three-year contract with Manchester City.
The forward was out of contract in the summer and has been linked with European champions Barcelona.
But the 23-year-old has signed a new deal to extend her stay with the Women’s Super League leaders until 2027.
Credit : www.independent.co.uk
