Manchester City forward Vivianne Miedema will miss the start of the Women’s Super League because of a knee issue.
The 30-year-old Netherlands international has not sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and the club says the problem is unrelated to her past knee issues.
Miedema netted 10 goals and provided five assists in the league last season as City claimed their first WSL title since 2016. She was largely injury-free throughout the campaign, though she underwent knee surgery after the season ended.
The new season begins on Friday, when London City Lionesses host Manchester United (19:00 BST). Manchester City open on Sunday at home to newly promoted Birmingham City (14:30 BST).