GARETH TAYLOR has thrown his weight behind the use of concussions subs in the women’s top-flight, after football chiefs reached a deal with Fifa.
And the Man City gaffer revealed Samantha Mewis will miss his side’s clash with West Ham after picking up an injury on USA duty.
Gareth Taylor’s Man City side are to play West Ham in the WSLCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Taylor welcomed the introduction concussion substitutes in the Women’s Super League and the Women’s ChampionshipCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Taylor, 47, was speaking hours after Wembley and League bosses agreed to the introduction of concussion substitutes in the Prem, the Women’s Super League and the Women’s Championship.
The new rule will come into effect in the three divisions from February 6.
Taylor said: “I look at my situation when I played back in the day and there were a couple of times where I was concussed.
“Fortunately, in one of those situations I was taken off and people told me afterwards I was complaining about wanting to come back on the pitch
“I couldn’t remember anything so I think this is something that is needed.
“We had two concussions in pre-season in training with players being hit with a ball.
“Sometimes these situations can be dangerous, so I give credit to the FA. It’s an important addition for us to have.”
Man City, who sealed a January move for US ace Abby Dahlkemper, have suffered a minor injury blow following a knock to Sam Mewis.
The USA midfielder hobbled off with an ankle problem during her country’s 6-0 win against Colombia.
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Man City will be without Sam Mewis when they play West HamCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
Mewis, 28, has been on target three times in nine WSL appearances.
And the presence of the box-to-box midfield maestro was missed during City’s Conti Cup quarter-final loss to Chelsea.
However, Taylor is hopeful the US star will be available for selection ahead of City’s clash with Arsenal
The Gunners are fourth after 11 games and one place below Man City in the table.
Taylor added: “We are waiting for the results of a scan to see if this is remnants of an old injury or if it’s a new one.
“To be honest she’s looking good and came through a few checks.
“I think this weekend may be too soon for her to return.
Sam Mewis picked up an ankle injury during USA Women’s 6-0 win against Colombia in OrlandoCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
“But there’s a real possibility that she could be back for next week and ready for the game after that.
“Even when she was given the news about her injury, Sam felt that it was better than what it was showing.
“That just speaks volumes of her as a person, really, she’s a very positive person and she’s working really hard to get herself back in.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
