Injured Shaw could miss rest of WSL season

LONDON, CMC:

There are growing fears superstar Jamaican striker Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw could miss Manchester City's crucial title run-in after limping out of last weekend's 5-0 thrashing of West Ham.

While the club has provided no update on the 27-year-old's status, the fact she wore a protective boot when leaving City's Joie Stadium following Sunday's game, has fuelled speculation over her unavailability for the last three games of the season.

City lead the Women's Super League (WSL) standings on 49, three clear of title-holders Chelsea who have a game in hand.

They are away to Bristol City at the weekend, host Arsenal on May 5 before wrapping up their campaign with a trip to Aston Villa.

"I don't know. It's her foot but we're not too sure," City manager Gareth Taylor said following Sunday's game.

"She was on crutches, which doesn't look good but we just have to assess it. If it's more serious than we anticipate, we will deal with it.

"I thought Chloe (Kelly) came on and did really well, and created good opportunities. We'll find out more in the next couple of days."

Shaw lashed in a first-half brace, scoring in the third and 24th minutes to take her tally for the season to a league-leading 21 goals.

She left the game at half-time, however, with City 3-0 up at the break and did not return.

"We decided not to take the risk, it was touch and go whether she would come back on," Taylor said.

"We have to keep going. There are three games left, we have to focus on the next one and put it to bed.

"We'll review as a team, start to build up and expect the game to be similar against Bristol. We're doing well and playing really impressive football. We have a job to do."

Behind Shaw's form, City have won a record 13 straight games and are well poised to clinch their second league crown but first since 2016.