Bunny Shaw is the Women's Super League top scorer with 21 goals in 18 games this season; Shaw was seen leaving the Joie Stadium in a protective boot on Sunday after Man City's 5-0 victory over West Ham; Man City are top of the WSL by three points ahead of Chelsea, who have a game in hand
Friday 26 April 2024 19:05, UK
Manchester City have confirmed WSL top scorer Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw will miss the rest of the season.
The news is a huge blow to City, who are three points ahead of champions Chelsea, who have a game in hand.
A statement from City - who travel to Bristol City, live on Sky Sports - read: "Manchester City can confirm that Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw sustained a foot injury during our 5-0 win over West Ham United.
"The news was confirmed following a scan earlier this week, with the Jamaican picking up the injury late in the first half at the Joie Stadium.
"It means she will miss our final three matches of the Barclays Women's Super League season as her recovery begins.
"With 21 goals in just 18 WSL appearances, Shaw is still on course to claim the league's Golden Boot, having also become our record goalscorer in March 2024.
"The forward will now begin her rehabilitation at the City Football Academy under the care of the club's medical team.
"Everyone at Manchester City would like to wish Bunny the very best in her recovery."
Sky Sports' Laura Hunter:
Manchester City's title tilt has just taken a significant hit. If there's one player you want, nay need, for a title-defining run in, it's your leading scorer.
Consider the WSL race coming down to goal difference - which is very possible - and the need gets even greater. Based on current trajectories, and that's assuming both Manchester City and Chelsea stay perfect between now and the end of term, they would finish locked on 58 points.
The crown would be decided by the barest of margins: who tops the goal difference charts. City are ahead as it stands - 42 plays 39 - but it's tight. Every goal will matter.
Shaw has found the net 21 times this term, averaging a goal every 66 minutes, which equates to 1.36 goals per game. Her consistency is quite remarkable.
For context, since the start of last season, the 27-year-old has played 40 games and scored 41 goals, her closest rival being Aston Villa's Rachel Daly (39 played, 29 scored). If you combine goals and assists, Shaw tallies 51. The numbers are extraordinary.
How will City cope without her? Well, capable stand ins are aplenty, though none as prolific. Both Chloe Kelly and Lauren Hemp can tuck inside to act as a de facto No 9, while Mary Fowler could also do a job.
Any way you dress it up, this is a considerable blow, but just how damaging is unlikely to be revealed until the season's end on May 18.
April 28: Bristol City vs Man City, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 6.45pm
May 5: Man City vs Arsenal, kick-off 2.15pm
May 18: Aston Villa vs Man City, kick-off 3pm
April 27: Chelsea vs Barcelona, kick-off 5.30pm
May 1: Liverpool vs Chelsea, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 7pm
May 5: Chelsea vs Bristol City, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 6.45pm
May 15: Tottenham vs Chelsea, kick-off 7.15pm
May 18: Man United vs Chelsea, kick-off 3pm
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