Miedema Blow for City: Knee Injury Could Rule Forward Out Until 2027

Manchester City may have to plan without Vivianne Miedema for the rest of 2026 after the Netherlands forward suffered a knee injury, the Guardian understands.

Multiple sources say the problem is not an anterior cruciate ligament rupture, which will come as some relief. It is still described as a serious injury, though, and there are concerns she will not be back in action until after the Women's Super League winter break.

City confirmed on Tuesday that Miedema would be unavailable for the "start of the season". The club's wording is far more cautious than the picture painted by those close to the situation, and it stops short of putting any timeframe on her recovery.

The setback is a significant one for City. Miedema is one of the most prolific attackers the WSL has ever seen, and her ability to create and finish chances gives her side a cutting edge that is hard to replace. Losing her for what could be several months will test the depth of the squad early in the campaign and force the coaching staff to reshape their attacking options.

For Miedema herself, it is another frustrating interruption. She has spent much of her career fighting to keep her body right after previous knee trouble, and she will be desperate to string together a healthy run of games. Her availability will also matter for the Netherlands, who rely heavily on her goals.

City are yet to give a formal update on the exact diagnosis or a projected return date. Until they do, the expectation inside the game is that this will be a long spell on the sidelines, with the winter break the earliest realistic point for a comeback.