Vivianne Miedema Could Miss Remainder of 2026 With Fresh Knee Injury

Manchester City forward Vivianne Miedema faces an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining a fresh knee injury in training, casting doubt over her availability for the rest of 2026.

The club confirmed the Dutch international "sustained a knee injury and will miss the start of the Barclays Women's Super League season," stressing the issue is separate from the recurring knee problems that have plagued her since an ACL rupture back in December 2022. While not an ACL tear, the injury is understood to be serious enough that City fear she may not feature again before the New Year.

Miedema was a key figure in City's 2025-26 double-winning campaign, contributing 19 goal involvements in 25 appearances, and had returned for pre-season aiming for a fully fit year after undergoing knee surgery over the summer. Her absence leaves Gareth Taylor's side light in attack just as the newly expanded 14-team WSL season gets under way, with the club now exploring reinforcements including Jennifer Echegini and Ornella Vignola.

The Netherlands international, the WSL and her country's record scorer, has endured a torrid run of injuries in recent seasons, having previously spoken out about the toll of the packed women's football calendar on player welfare.