Manchester City face anxious wait as summer signing Risa Shimizu stretchered off at Olympics

Manchester City have confirmed summer signing Risa Shimizu suffered a knee injury while representing Japan at the Olympics in Paris.

The 28-year-old penned a three-year deal with the Blues earlier this month following two seasons with fellow Women's Super League (WSL) side West Ham United. She made 44 appearances in two seasons with the East London side, scoring one goal, and represented her country at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019 and 2023.

However, City now face an anxious wait to find out the full extent of the injury which forced the full-back off the pitch in Japan's defeat to Spain in the French capital on Thursday. Issuing an update on Friday, a club spokesperson said: "Manchester City can confirm that Risa Shimizu suffered a knee injury during Japan’s 2-1 loss to Spain in their first game at Paris 2024 on Thursday 25 July.

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"Risa will return to the City Football Academy for further assessment by the club’s medical team."

Shimizu began her career with Tokyo Verdy Beleza before joining the Hammers in 2022. Upon signing signing for City, the Japan international said: "First of all, it’ll be a challenge, but one I’m ready for. City play football with a high possession style, which I like.

"I think I’m technically good and calm with the ball in possession, so I think I’ll play well in City’s style. I can’t wait to get started and hopefully lift the trophy with my new teammates."

Head Coach Gareth Taylor added: "Risa brings intelligence and technical quality to the team. She’s an established international with huge WSL experience