BRISTOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: Mary Fowler of Manchester City celebrates with Laura Coombs of Manchester City after scoring her team’s first goal during the Barclays Women’s Super League match between Bristol City and Manchester City at Ashton Gate Stadium on April 28, 2024 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)
Australia international Mary Fowler made her long-awaited return from injury last weekend – playing in the closing stages of Manchester City’s 5-1 win over defending Women’s Super League champions Chelsea.
Fowler suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in April last year that has kept her out of action.
But she is now match fit and ready to play a role as Manchester City close in on the title.
However, head coach Andree Jeglertz warned on Friday that she would be eased back into action as she grows accustomed to the rigours of the WSL.
“Of course, it’s not easy to come in and play but also for her to find the right timing of how much we push her, when we modify her and the medical team are important to find that balance for her,” Jeglertz said on Friday afternoon.
“We can’t just go in and have the same [training and minutes for Fowler] as everyone else, she’s been away for a long time, is now back but it takes time to get to the same level physically and as a player as she was when she got injured.
“She’s in a good way.”
Manchester City team news: Fujino out with concussion
Jeglertz – who is nominated for a fourth consecutive WSL manager of the month award – reported that when he selects his side to play Arsenal this weekend, he will be choosing from the same squad that faced Chelsea, with one exception.
Aoba Fujino is out due to a concussion suffered in stoppage time last weekend.
“I think we have been training well this week,” Jeglertz added. “Aoba [Fujino] got a concussion in the last game and isn’t able to play this weekend.
“But otherwise everyone is as it was last weekend.”
Manchester City travel to face Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday, 8th February, kicking off at 12 noon.
