Aston Villa and England midfielder Lucy Staniforth will be unable to participate for the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury. The unfortunate development occurred during warm-ups prior to the team’s victory over Sunderland last week. Staniforth is scheduled to undergo surgery this Wednesday to address the issue.
This news comes at a difficult time for the club, as they also bid farewell to midfielder Laura Blindkilde Brown, who recently transferred to Manchester City on deadline day.
Manager Carla Ward has emphasized the significant contributions of Staniforth and Brown to the midfield, recognizing the noticeable gap their absence will leave within the team. “Lucy Staniforth and Laura Blindkilde Brown have obviously been ever-present in our midfield, so it’s a massive hole,” Ward stated, highlighting the impact that the two players have had on the team’s performance.
Despite this setback, Ward remains optimistic about Staniforth’s recovery, aiming to have her back in time for pre-season. “Stan has been excellent for us, but it’s an injury that requires intervention, so we’ll get that done on Wednesday and have her back for pre-season,” Ward affirmed, demonstrating the team’s determination to facilitate Staniforth’s rehabilitation.
Currently, Aston Villa occupies the eighth spot in the Women’s Super League standings. Their upcoming match against Bristol City presents a challenge for the team, particularly in the wake of the absence of key players like Staniforth and Brown.
The loss of Lucy Staniforth for the remainder of the season is undoubtedly a setback for Aston Villa. The midfielder’s absence poses a challenge for the team as they strive to maintain their position in the Women’s Super League. However, with the resolve of the coaching staff and the support of the fans, Aston Villa remains optimistic about their performance in their upcoming fixtures.