In the crucial stretch of the Women’s Super League title race, Manchester City faces a goalkeeper crisis due to injuries, potentially leading to a debut for their recent emergency loan signing in the upcoming clash against West Ham on Sunday.
City, striving to reclaim the league title for the first time since 2016, find themselves neck and neck with Chelsea at the league’s summit with just four games remaining.
Given the tight competition, goal difference may play a decisive role in determining the champions, heightening the significance of City’s goalkeeper situation.
Ellie Roebuck, Man City Women Team Goalkeeper (Via PremierLeague/Twitter)
Despite boasting impressive depth in their squad, City’s goalkeeper lineup has been depleted by injuries to key players Sandy MacIver and Ellie Roebuck. MacIver, a reliable second-choice goalkeeper, recently suffered an ACL injury, while Roebuck has been sidelined throughout the season due to health concerns following a stroke.
In light of these setbacks, City made an emergency loan signing, recruiting Katie Startup from Brighton to bolster their goalkeeping options. Startup, with prior experience at Charlton and Chelsea’s academy, adds depth to City’s squad during this critical period.
While Startup’s arrival provides a temporary solution, City faces challenges heading into the summer transfer window.
Khiara Keating, Man City Women Team Goalkeeper (Via PremierLeague/Twitter)
With MacIver’s long-term absence and Roebuck’s potential departure, the club may need to seek a permanent goalkeeper signing. However, finding a suitable candidate who can seamlessly transition into the squad and deliver consistent performances presents a significant challenge.
As City navigates through this goalkeeper crisis, the immediate focus remains on the fitness of Khiara Keating, who could be thrust into action against West Ham amidst ongoing injury concerns.
With the title race intensifying, Keating’s form and performance may prove pivotal in City’s quest to secure the league title, emphasizing the critical role of goalkeeping excellence in their championship aspirations.
