Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw is set to miss the rest of the season with a foot injury in what is a huge blow to Manchester City's Women's Super League (WSL) title hopes.
The striker scored a first-half brace in the Blues' 5-0 rout of West Ham United on Sunday afternoon before picking up the problem on the stroke of half-time. She was replaced at the break by England international Chloe Kelly and could be seen on crutches at the full-time whistle with her foot in a protective boot.
City boss Gareth Taylor was initially quick to downplay the severity of Shaw's injury, noting that players are often given crutches to help "offload" them after picking up a knock. However, the club confirmed on Friday that the issue is worse than first feared and will keep the Jamaica international out for the rest of the season.
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It is a sucker punch for Taylor's side, who are currently three points clear at the top of the WSL table, although second-place Chelsea do have a game in hand. Shaw has scored 21 goals in 18 WSL appearances this term and became the first player in the league's history to register a goal involvement in ten consecutive games with her brace against the Hammers.
With the Jamaican having been in such formidable form, her absence will be a cause for concern for City, who have three WSL games remaining this season. The Blues will take on relegation favourites Bristol City next weekend before hosting third-place Arsenal at the Joie Stadium on May 5.
They will then travel to the West Midlands to take on Aston Villa on the final day, with Taylor's
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