Miedema breaks months‑long silence just before World Cup qualification

In the bustling Etihad Stadium Vivianne Miedema finally saw playing minutes again after months of silence.

The 30‑year‑old striker came on as a substitute and played half an hour for her club Manchester City against Chelsea, who lost 1‑0.

The all‑time top scorer of the Netherlands has been battling a knee injury for the past six months.

Since Miedema ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in 2023, she has had to miss more matches for various reasons than she could play.

Early next month the Netherlands will play a two‑leg tie against Slovenia for World Cup qualification, on 1 December in Domzale and on 5 December in Utrecht.

Whether Miedema, with 132 caps and 104 goals, is fit enough to join them remains unclear.

City could not inspire a victory with her substitute appearance; the club suffered its first defeat of the season and lost the top spot to the Londoners.

For Chelsea, Wieke Kaptein started in the lineup as usual.

Veerle Buurman began as a substitute, but had to come on after just twelve minutes due to an injury.

The only goal of the match was scored by French Sandy Baltimore.