'Really disappointed' Mary Fowler confirms season-ending ACL injury as Man City star joins Lauren Hemp, Alex Greenwood & Vivianne Miedema on sidelines

Fowler limped off during City's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Man Utd on Sunday, having gone down with a non-contact knee issue. Interim boss Nick Cushing said after the game that he was "not fearing the worst" and the Australia international herself was able to walk off the pitch without assistance. However, the nightmare outcome has now been confirmed, with Fowler set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The news is a huge blow to a Man City team that is desperately chasing a Champions League spot in the latter stages of this Women's Super League season. Injuries have been a serious concern for the club this term, with Fowler joining all of Lauren Hemp, Alex Greenwood, Khadija Shaw, Vivianne Miedema, Aoba Fujino, Jill Roord, Rebecca Knaak and Risa Shimizu on the sidelines. Such an overwhelming list is sure to prompt a detailed review by City, with Cushing saying on Sunday that this "injury crisis" needs to be "examined" after the season.

"I’m really disappointed to be facing some time out of the game,” Fowler said after the news was confirmed on Wednesday. “It’s never easy when something like this happens especially when you’ve been working so hard and feeling good. The road ahead will be challenging, but I’m ready to take it on.

"There’s still so much I want to achieve, and I’ll be using this time to grow in every way I can. I’m committed to doing the work, staying positive and coming back better than ever. I want to say a big thank you to everyone who’s sent messages or checked in - it’s honestly meant so much. The support from my teammates, family, friends and fans has been a real lift and reminded me how lucky I am to be surrounded by such a strong network."

Fowler's injury is not just a blow to Man City, who will now be without the forward until at least the New Year, but also to Australia. The Matildas will host the 2026 Asian Cup in March and Fowler would be one of their most important players as they bid to win the trophy for the first time since 2010. However, this injury throws her participation in doubt.

Fowler's attention will now turn to the gruelling rehab ahead, one which is sadly all too common in the women's game. City, meanwhile, will have to focus on trying to overcome the seven-point gap to third place in the WSL table without her.