It was a tense and concerning evening for Manchester City fans on Thursday as their captain, Alex Greenwood, was stretchered off during their UEFA Women’s Champions League match against St. Pölten. The England international went down early in the first half following a collision with Melanie Brunnthaler, sparking fears of a serious knee injury.
A Moment of Concern at Joie Stadium
The incident occurred after an awkward challenge left Greenwood immediately signaling for medical assistance. Her teammates watched anxiously as the City captain was stretchered off the field, her face hidden in her hands, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Greenwood’s exit casts a shadow over City’s otherwise determined performance, with the team already grappling with a string of injuries that have tested their depth and resilience.
Manager Gareth Taylor Speaks Out
After the game, City manager Gareth Taylor addressed Greenwood’s injury but admitted the full extent of the damage was still unclear. “Not at this stage,” he said. “I turned away because I was frustrated we lost the ball in those areas. It was our own doing. We’ll just have to assess, like with all the many other injuries we’ve got.”
Taylor expressed the mounting challenges his squad faces, emphasizing Greenwood’s importance. “If it’s Alex, it’s going to be a huge loss. We seem to be losing big players—Miedema, Lauren Hemp, Layzell, Bunny Shaw. It’s a really tough situation, but the girls are resilient. Hopefully, the upcoming winter break gives us some breathing room to recover.”
A Season of Injury Challenges for Manchester City
Greenwood’s potential absence adds to a growing list of sidelined stars that City has struggled to cope with this season. Despite their remarkable depth and talent, the loss of pivotal players has begun to take a toll on the team’s overall form.
The upcoming winter break couldn’t arrive sooner for Gareth Taylor’s squad, offering a chance to regroup and recover. However, with two crucial fixtures looming before the break, City will need to dig deep into their reserves of grit and determination.
What’s Next for Greenwood and Manchester City?
Greenwood’s leadership and defensive prowess have been instrumental to City’s success, and any prolonged absence could significantly impact their campaign. For now, all eyes are on the medical reports, as fans and teammates alike hope for a swift and positive update on their captain.