Vivianne Miedema: Manchester City striker ready to return after injury

Manchester City striker Vivianne Miedema could return on Sunday against Ipswich Town after recovering from a long-term knee injury.

The 28-year-old Dutch international, the all-time leading scorer in the Women’s Super League, has not played since October 9 and has since undergone surgery on her left knee.

City host third-tier side Ipswich in the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup this weekend and manager Gareth Taylor said Miedema will be involved in some capacity.

“We have Viv back, which is really positive,” Taylor said. “We’ll see it (against Ipswich) and that’s really good.

“We know what a top player she is and the influence she has on others. Just by being there, she really helps other players perform even better.”

“She has that talent and gives a lot of time and space to other players, as well as having quality. It’s good to have her back.”

Since joining City in the summer, the Dutch international has scored two goals in five games in all competitions.

Taylor said Miedema’s minutes will be managed upon her return, but having her back is a big boost for the WSL squad that still has the likes of Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp and Khadija Shaw absent through injury.

“I’m very impressed with Viv as a person and also as a player,” Taylor added.

“She’s one of the best I’ve ever worked with in the sense of the way she makes the game look so simple.

“Her appreciation and natural ability is second to none. I’m really excited for the second half of the season and hopefully getting Viv fit and ready as much as possible.

“It’s really exciting to know what team we’re going to have when we get our full quota back.

“He is getting stronger with us thanks to the work he does off the field.”