Jeglertz: Returning quartet looking for the derby | OneFootball

Andrée Jeglertz has confirmed Grace Clinton, Lauren Hemp, Rebecca Knaak and Sydney Lohmann are once again all in contention to feature in Saturday’s WSL Manchester derby.

Germany international Knaak started City’s 2-1 win at Everton last weekend after recovering from a knee injury sustained this summer, while Clinton, Hemp and Lohmann all featured from the bench at Goodison Park.

It’s a significant boost to Jeglertz ahead of the first Manchester derby of the season, taking place at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday 15 November at 13:30 (UK).

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City go into the tie as WSL leaders with United two places and four points behind, and our Head Coach says having healthier options from the bench allows him to adapt and assess what the team needs across the 90 minutes.

Asked about Knaak, Clinton, Hemp and Lohmann’s prospects of featuring this weekend, he said: “Yes. It’s one for us to consider what is the best way of winning the game.

“It’s good for us. Of course, the ones that are coming back is giving competition for each position in the team bigger and raising the level in the training session.

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“When you have more players, the load is a little less.

“When there are few, you need to be careful with how you load the other ones because repetition becomes more.

“[It adds] quality too. It gives us opportunities to think how we want to start and end the game.”

Jeglertz also spoke about some of City’s longer-term absentees and their recoveries, such as Alex Greenwood, Mary Fowler, Kerolin and Lily Murphy.

Our Head Coach confirmed that this weekend’s clash would be too soon for any of them to return but did add that they’re all progressing well.

He did qualify that none would be rushed back to action too soon, though, with full recovery prioritised over a speedy return.

“No, not this weekend,” Jeglertz added when asked if any of the quartet could feature this weekend.

“They’re progressing well and every day working hard. We have a very good performance team with the back-up staff.

“They are working every day to help these players come back as quick as possible and make them sustainable for the future.

“They are on their way but when it’s time it’s time.”