Manchester City have today confirmed that captain Steph Houghton has returned to training following her long term injury lay-off.
The 33-year-old centre-back sustained an ankle injury during the very first England camp under new head coach Sarina Weigman in September and she has been sidelined ever since.
Manchester City have struggled at times this season, largely as a result of leader Houghton’s absence combined with other injuries in the defensive positions but the club delivered the perfect New Year gift to their fans earlier today in the form of photos of their captain on the training pitch. The images were posted on Manchester City’s official club Twitter account.
A welcome boost as @stephhoughton2 returns to training! 🤩#ManCity pic.twitter.com/pos6WOJVI1
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 5, 2022
Houghton’s return to training comes at a perfect time with Manchester City having reignited their push for European qualification with back-to-back league victories before Christmas. The club are also set to resume their FA Women’s Continental League Cup campaign and start their adventure in this season’s Vitality Women’s FA Cup this month. While Houghton will not be ready for action straight away, knowledge that the player is on the comeback trail with the big games coming thick and fast will give the whole club a boost.
The defender has made two appearances for Manchester City so far this season which came in the club’s first two Barclays FA Women’s Super League matches of the new campaign. Houghton curled in a stunning free-kick in a 4-0 victory at Everton on opening day.
Further updates regarding Houghton’s fitness schedule are likely to be provided by Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor in due course.