Taylor: Injured trio could return against Chelsea | OneFootball

Gareth Taylor says there's an 'outside chance' that Lauren Hemp, Laia Aleixandri and Naomi Layzell could be available for City's WSL clash with Chelsea.

The Blues currently sit top of the Barclays Women's Super League table, with Chelsea one place and one point behind leading up to Saturday's 17:30 (UK) clash at Stamford Bridge.

Hemp missed Tuesday's 2-0 UEFA Women's Champions League win over Hammarby and the boss revealed that her condition needed further assessments after that victory.

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Aleixandri's injury, meanwhile, was picked up during the October international break and has ruled her out since then, with Layzell sidelined since our 2-0 win over Barcelona at the Joie Stadium.

But the boss suggested they could be back in contention heading into this weekend's encounter.

WATCH: Highlights | City 2-0 Hammarby

On Hemp, Taylor said: "We won’t know until tomorrow. There's a chance she could be, so we’re positive at the moment.

"I spoke to the medical staff as a lot of players are still recovering. We’ll find out tomorrow if Lauren  can take part.

"It was just a knee issue. I think the action happened against Crystal Palace.

"At the time she didn’t think it was too much. We had a decent period of time to Tottenham at the Etihad.

"Apart from a slight niggle, we've had to manage her workload since Spurs and took her out of Hammarby. There's a chance she’ll train tomorrow and we’ll see with the medical staff."

On Aleixandri and Layzell, he added: "[They're] Closer.

"We'll have to wait until tomorrow to see.

"They're progressing quicker than expected so there’s a chance."

There was positive news from the boss on Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw though, who was replaced late on against Hammarby.

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The Jamaican had received treatment for a knock during the 2-0 win on Tuesday evening, but Taylor insists there's no cause for concern.

He said: "Yeah, Bunny is fine. She trained today, no problem.

"She was really important the other night. Okay, she didn't score, but it's not just about goals, she does a lot of things, defensively, and leading the press.

"Her and Alanna Kennedy are vital in terms of clearing the box. She takes the knocks and clears the pressure to help the rest of the team."