Manchester City have announced that the England defender Lucy Bronze has undergone knee surgery.
City did not put a timeframe on how long the 29-year-old right-back might be out of action for but said she would return to training “in the near future”. The news comes ahead of the club opening their 2021-22 Women’s Super League campaign on 4 September at Everton.
A statement from City on Thursday read: “Manchester City can confirm that Lucy Bronze recently underwent successful surgery on her right knee. The defender is now progressing to rehabilitation with the club and will return to training in the near future.”
Bronze, who featured in all four of Great Britain’s matches at this summer’s Tokyo Olympics, rejoined City last September after three seasons with Lyon. In 2020 she was also named Fifa women’s player of the year.
Meanwhile City’s new signing Hayley Raso said joining the club was an “easy decision” after signing a two-year deal this week. The Australia international was being tracked by several clubs but was only interested in moving to Manchester.
“I had a few conversations, but I have said before that it was a pretty easy decision to choose Manchester City,” said Raso at her unveiling on Thursday.
“I spoke with Gareth Taylor and he told me about the club, the facilities and the team. I really enjoyed my time in England last season with Everton so I wanted to stay in England.
“I have only heard good things about the club. I didn’t speak to anyone directly. I spoke to a couple of my international teammates and they said it would be a good move, competing for trophies plus playing in the Champions League.”