Khadija Shaw faces likely absence in crucial Champions League matches against Chelsea
- Khadija Shaw was injured in the League Cup final on March 15, 2025.
- She is ruled out of the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals and is uncertain for the second leg.
- The absence of both Shaw and Aoba Fujino gives other players a chance while raising concerns for City against Chelsea.
In Manchester, England, Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw, a prominent player for Manchester City, sustained a muscle injury during the League Cup final against Chelsea on March 15, 2025. The injury has led to significant concerns over her availability for the upcoming Women's Champions League quarterfinals against Chelsea, with City manager Nick Cushing confirming that Shaw has been ruled out of the first leg and is doubtful for the return match in London scheduled for March 27. Likewise, Japan international Aoba Fujino also suffered an injury during the final and will miss at least the first leg. These injuries come at a challenging time for Manchester City, as they face Chelsea consecutively in four matches within a span of 12 days. Shaw is currently the top scorer in the Women’s Super League, emphasizing her importance to the team’s offensive strategy. Cushing acknowledged the absence of both players would provide opportunities for other squad members, but he expressed concern regarding the unpredictability of muscle injuries, suggesting it may take time to ascertain the duration of recovery. The League Cup final was a tightly fought encounter, ending in a 2-1 defeat for City, which adds to the pressure they will face in their next encounters against Chelsea, especially since neither team has previously won the Women’s Champions League. Given Chelsea's impressive form, remaining unbeaten in 28 games under coach Sonia Bompastor, this situation presents an uphill challenge for City without their star striker and another significant player like Fujino.