The PFA Young Player of the Year has been sidelined since late August, having sustained a hamstring injury in the FA Women’s Community Shield defeat to Chelsea.
Sharing the latest team news ahead of Saturday’s Super League Manchester Derby, Taylor revealed the youngster is edging closer to a return.
“She’s been a big loss,” he said. “People forget that.
“We’ve made some really good additions to an already good squad but losing Lauren in the last pre-season game was a big blow for us.
“It was difficult and a difficult moment for her but fortunately, she didn’t have to have surgery and she’s ahead of schedule.
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“She’s back out on the pitch doing Strength and Conditioning, building up her fitness and strength, and hopefully, we’ll start to see her involved with the group after the international break, which isn’t too far away.
“The squad are looking good – in good shape. We have a solid squad and outside of the known injury concerns, everyone is looking good.
“They’re knocking on the doors and looking sharp. It’s great for me, having a full squad to choose from.”
Saturday’s trip to Manchester United marks Taylor’s first experience of managing a senior Manchester Derby.
The City boss says it’s an occasion he is relishing, as his side look to close the gap on the early pace-setters.
“It’s a great occasion and one I’m really looking forward to,” he added.
“We’re feeling good and confident. It’s going to be a great weekend with the games being staggered at different times and shown live to celebrate Women’s Football Weekend.
“Our game is one of the picks of the ties so it’s something we’re geared up for. I was fortunate to play in Derbies at various clubs and coaching-wise, you want to be involved in games with city rivals.
“It’s a good game for us – they’re currently top of the table but there are no medals awarded in November as far as I’m aware!
“It’s a great opportunity for us to go within two points of them. They’ve made a good start to the season in the FA WSL and they’ve had some good results.
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“They’ve invested and they’ve also got two World Cup winners so you’ve seen a change in their objectives this season.
“Casey Stoney is a really good coach – she’s been around the women’s game for a long time and as a former player, she’s got that experience.
“It’s an important game but they all are. There are plenty more opportunities to come this season where teams will take points off one another. There will be some important games and important moments.
“For us, this is a real good opportunity to go there on Saturday, put in a good performance and try to come away with three points.
“It’s a big game and one we’re looking forward to.”
