Man City issue injury update on Alex Greenwood as Lionesses star joins Lauren Hemp, Vivianne Miedema and Khadija Shaw on growing list of absentees

Greenwood was withdrawn before half time in the win over St. Polten on December 12, the defender in obvious pain after tackling an onrushing opponent. She has missed City's two games since, which both ended in defeat, first to Everton on Sunday and then to Barcelona on Wednesday.

The club has now confirmed that Greenwood has had successful surgery on the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in her left knee. The news is at least of some relief to fans, with fears of their captain suffering a dreaded anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury banished.

Greenwood is the latest addition to City's ever-growing injury list, which already includes Lauren Hemp, Vivianne Miedema, Khadija Shaw, Chloe Kelly, Risa Shimizu and Sandy MacIver. The club gave no timeframe for Greenwood's return.

The good news is that City do not have a fixture now until January, with the Women's Super League entering its winter break. Gareth Taylor's side will next be in action on January 12, when they take on third-tier Ipswich Town in the FA Cup. However, it seems likely Greenwood will be out for a little while longer yet.