Manchester City striker Vivianne Miedema will be unavailable for the start of the Women's Super League season due to a knee injury sustained during the off-season. The 30-year-old Netherlands international has not suffered damage to her anterior cruciate ligament, the club confirmed, and the injury is unrelated to previous knee problems she has experienced.
Miedema delivered a prolific campaign in the 2025-26 season, recording 10 goals and five assists in league competition as Manchester City claimed their first Women's Super League title since 2016. Across all competitions, she featured in 25 matches and scored 19 times. Despite undergoing knee surgery at the conclusion of the season, she had largely avoided injury throughout the campaign.
The setback comes as the Women's Super League prepares to begin its new season. London City Lionesses will host Manchester United on Friday at 19:00 BST in the opening fixture. Manchester City's campaign starts on Sunday when they travel to face promoted Birmingham City at 14:30 BST, with Miedema unavailable for selection.
The injury represents a significant blow to City's attacking options as they seek to defend their league title. The club has not specified a timeline for Miedema's return to action, though the nature of the injury suggests she will miss at least the opening weeks of the season.
