Jeglertz: Asian Cup stars available for Manchester derby | OneFootball

Andrée Jeglertz has confirmed that Ayaka Yamashita, Yui Hasegawa, Aoba Fujino and Mary Fowler are all available for City's Barclays WSL clash with Manchester United.

The quartet were all involved in the Asian Cup final last weekend in Sydney, which saw Japan beat Australia 1-0.

All four stars returned to the City Football Academy earlier this week and have immediately been reintegrated to the squad on the training pitch ahead of Saturday’s 13:30 (UK) showdown at Old Trafford.

Grace Clinton remains sidelined with a minor lower body issue though our Head Coach did add that she was making positive progress in her recovery.

But with Yamashita, Hasegawa, Fujino and Fowler all back in contention for the first time since February, Jeglertz has a healthy squad to choose from as the top two in the WSL prepare to face each other.

Speaking about our Asian Cup contingent’s chances of playing at Old Trafford, he said: “Absolutely, all of them are available this weekend.

“They’ve had an intense tournament but they came in with energy.

“The first day was challenging, flying all the way but the players have missed them and our environment, and they stepped in the building and directly know how we play and found their way in the roles in the team.

On Clinton, he continued: “Grace is still not really ready but slowly she’s progressing and hopefully she’s back pretty soon.”

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Jeglertz was also quick to praise the performances of his squad while our Asian Cup quartet were on international duty.

Our Head Coach highlighted the crucial role the entire squad has to play in our success so far this season, ahead of another huge clash this weekend.

“It’s been like that all season. We’ve had players out for games and injuries and different reasons, but the Asian Cup is another,” he added.

“We have a great squad and so many good football players, not depending on one or two.

“Many can take a big role every game, not always the same players show the strength in the group, everyone feels a part in what we are doing and can contribute to our performances.

“That’s probably also why we are where we are at the moment.”