Miedema eyes Man City return after three months out

Manchester City forward Vivianne Miedema could make her return against Ipswich Town on Sunday after recovering from a long-term knee injury.

The 28-year-old Netherlands international , who is the all-time leading goalscorer in the Women's Super League, has not played since 9 October and has since had surgery on her left knee.

City host third-tier side Ipswich in the fourth round of the Women's FA Cup this weekend and boss Gareth Taylor said Miedema will feature in some capacity.

"We have Viv back which is a real positive," said Taylor. "We will see her [against Ipswich] and that's really good.

"We know what a top player she is and what an influence she has on others. Just by being out there she really helps other players perform even better.

"She has that talent and gives so much time and space to other players as well as being quality herself. It's good to have her back."

Since joining City in the summer, the Netherlands international has scored twice in five games in all competitions.

Taylor said Miedema's minutes will be managed on her return, but to have her back is a huge boost to the WSL side who still have the likes of Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp and Khadija Shaw missing through injury.

"I've been super impressed with Viv as a person and also as a player," added Taylor.

"She is one of the best I have worked with in the sense of the way she just makes the game look so simple.

"Her appreciation and her natural ability is second to none. I'm really excited about the second half of the season and having hopefully a fit and ready Viv as much as we can possibly get.

"It's really exciting to know when we get our full quota back, what a team we are going to have.

"She is becoming stronger and stronger with us due to the work she puts in off the pitch."