The left-back missed Saturday’s 3-0 FA Women’s Super League win over Birmingham, after withdrawn from international duty for England the previous week through, but is back fit for selection for the Round of 16 first leg encounter.
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Cushing also delivered an update on Pauline Bremer, Georgia Stanway and Ellen White, explaining the forward trio are close to a return.
White is yet to feature for her new Club, since joining from Birmingham in the summer, while Stanway sustained an injury in the 7-1 away win over Lugano and Bremer was rested as a precaution for Birmingham’s visit.
Laura Coombs meanwhile, remains unavailable with a meniscus injury, while goalkeeper Karen Bardsley is a long-term absentee.
“Demi Stokes is back in the squad,” he declared. “Pauline Bremer suffered a slight knock before the Birmingham game and we have important games coming up so we decided not to risk her.
“We’ll decide on Wednesday whether she’ll be involved or whether we’ll use her against United.
“Stanway trained this morning. She’s not available for the Atletico game but she’ll be fit to go back into the squad for the United game (on Sunday).
“Ellen White is close but it’s a bit too soon for her. We sat between gambling on these games. We don’t want to take gambles – we want her for the rest of the season and we’ll continue to push her.
“Laura Coombs is not ready – she’s not out on the pitch; nor is Karen Bardsley.”
City face Atletico Madrid for the second successive season in the Champions League, with the Spanish outfit having emerged victorious with a 3-1 aggregate triumph in the Round of 32 last term.
While Cushing and co. were disappointed with that setback – particularly after reaching the semi-finals in our first two European campaigns – he insisted ‘revenge’ is not the key motivation.
“I don’t think you think clearly when you think like that,” he admitted. “We had an incredibly difficult game against Birmingham [on Saturday] and against Atletico Madrid last season.
“Every game is so hard – it’s so competitive now. We enjoy playing against the best teams and Atletico are a top team.
“Last season’s game doesn’t change our preparations, although it helps us to learn about the opposition. We’ve played three games against them (including the pre-season Women’s International Champions Cup encounter) and we’ve drawn one, won one and lost one.
“It’s been pretty even but we’ll analyse their strengths and weaknesses to make sure we can win this game and take a healthy lead into the second leg.”
Wednesday’s tie also sees the return of former City star and fans’ favourite Toni Duggan, who played a key role in helping Cushing’s side to silverware during her time at the Club.
Cushing spoke fondly of her contribution and believes she will receive a warm reception at the Academy Stadium.
“She’ll have a nice welcome,” he continued. “If you look at Toni’s history here, she’s scored some big goals, played well and won trophies.
“She scored in the Chelsea game to win us the league and scored an important goal away to put us in a position to win the league, for example.
“She’s a fans’ favourite and I hope she’ll get a good welcome.”
With City having secured a complete set of domestic trophies with three Continental Cups, two FA Cups and one Super League title, Cushing was asked whether he feels the need to prioritise Europe’s top competition.
“I’ve never felt there’s a particular trophy I’ve wanted more than any other,” he replied.
“We consistently push hard domestically and that’s always the main objective.
“We’re pleased with our start but to be competitive, you have to reach the final stages of the Champions League to show where you’re at. It’s the best teams in Europe and it’s such a consistent tournament and to reach the latter stages shows you’re a top team.
“We want to be consistent and competitive in every competition and we want to win them all, although it’s incredibly difficult.
“The Champions League is hugely important for any team, trying to push to be the best they can be. I’m proud of how far we’ve come in six seasons.
“Do I have the desire to win it? A huge desire… but I’m also incredibly focused on the cup competitions.
“We’re excited for the game.”
City host Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 first leg on Wednesday 16 October in a 7pm kick-off. Tickets for all home matches are available online or at the Etihad Stadium Ticket Office, while the game will also be shown live on the Man City for TV app.
