Manchester City will be without their all-time leading scorer, Khadija Shaw, for Wednesday’s Champions League qualifier against Paris FC due to a visa issue.
The match is set to kick off at 17:45 BST, but Shaw, a 27-year-old Jamaica international and last season’s Women’s Super League top scorer, could not travel for the first leg of the second-round qualifier after the club failed to file her visa application in time. Although City attempted to secure a late visa, the request was denied.
City, who finished as WSL runners-up to Chelsea on goal difference last season, are optimistic that future visa issues will be avoided.
However, this marks their third consecutive season failing to reach the Champions League group stage.
The second leg of the qualifier is scheduled for Thursday, 26 September, with the winner advancing to the group stage.
Shaw, who joined City from Bordeaux in 2021, became the club’s all-time leading scorer in March after netting her 68th goal in just 82 games. She was also named the 2023-24 WSL and Football Writers’ Association Player of the Season following an outstanding individual campaign.