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Lauren Hemp Returns to Training After Knee Surgery
England international Lauren Hemp has resumed training after a rigorous five-month recovery following knee surgery.
The 24-year-old winger has been sidelined since November 8 but participated in training sessions with Manchester City this past Friday as the team prepares to take on Everton.
Hemp is among a number of crucial players striving to regain full fitness ahead of England’s title defense at the European Championship in Switzerland this coming July.
Manager Sarina Wiegman provided reassurance about Hemp’s condition, clarifying in November that the issue was not related to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which often poses a longer recovery timeline.
A more severe injury could have jeopardized Hemp’s chances of participating in the Euros.
As she works toward regaining full match fitness, Hemp’s presence will undoubtedly energize the squad.
“In this tough period of injuries, it has been a real positive week for us,” noted Manchester City’s interim manager Nick Cushing. “Lauren Hemp trained with the team this week, which is huge for us.”
Her comeback is especially vital for a City side grappling with a series of injuries and facing the prospect of finishing the season without silverware.
Before her injury, Hemp was making significant contributions in the Women’s Super League, recording two goals and five assists in just seven games.
In parallel, her teammate Alex Greenwood is also on the mend after undergoing surgery for a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury. Cushing highlighted positive developments in the team’s recovery efforts. “Alex Greenwood and Aoba Fujino have pushed on and stepped up their rehab,” he remarked. “Rebecca Knaak trained all week and is back with the team now.”
“It feels like we are making some quick progress and starting to get players back; the squad is regaining the depth we’ve lost in training. The team will start to look different,” Cushing added.
While Hemp’s return is a boost for England, the news was less favorable for Chelsea, who announced that Lionesses forward Lauren James has sustained a hamstring injury and will be sidelined for an unspecified duration.
Looking ahead to Euro 2025, the final lineup for England remains uncertain. Bayern Munich midfielder Georgia Stanway is also recovering from a lateral ligament tear in her right knee sustained during a training session in January, which has further complicated team preparations.
Source
www.bbc.com