_USWNT star Abby Dahlkemper and England international Alex Greenwood will likely make up the Citizens’ centre-back partnership on Wednesday_
Manchester City captain Steph Houghton will miss the first leg of the club’s UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona.
The centre-back has an Achilles problem that has forced her to miss City’s last two games – a win over Bristol City in the Women’s Super League and a victory in the second leg of their UWCL last 16 tie with Fiorentina.
Head coach Gareth Taylor admitted it is difficult to say when the England international will return.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Taylor explained that Houghton’s injury was one she picked up in the first leg of City’s Champions League last 16 tie. The defender was not subbed off in that game and played 90 minutes four days later against Everton, but is now suffering with the problem.
“I think it’s one that we anticipated would have settled down by now,” Taylor said. “It’s probably not settled down as quickly as we’d like, or certainly as Steph would like. She’s obviously really disappointed to not be here with the team.
“It’s really difficult to answer really when she’d be back. We’re hoping it’s not too far away, but again, we’ll always look at what’s the right thing for the player.
“We’ve had this before, earlier in the season, with many of our players. We’re trying to see the bigger picture. As much as these games are big, we’re trying to see the bigger picture and make sure that they’re back for us for the remaining run in.”
Avant Sports Desk