Gareth Taylor says Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw is available for selection for Manchester City's top-of-the-table clash with Chelsea.

Having started our hard fought 1-0 FA Cup victory over Arsenal last time out, the Jamaican was replaced by Mary Fowler on 67 minutes before Laia Aleixandri scored the only goal of the game. 

Following full-time at Meadow Park, the boss explained the 27-year-old was harbouring a calf strain.

But ahead of our meeting with Emma Hayes’ side on Friday 16 February, Taylor revealed the clinical striker is fit to face the league leaders. 

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“She [Bunny] is fine, it’s something she’s managing but she’s raring to go,” Taylor expressed.

“She’s really important for us and been such a focal point for the team and our success.

“She’s always carrying knocks because of how she plays, she’s physical and takes the knocks.

“She’ll never be 100% but it’s very rare players are with the heavy load we have.”

City enter the meeting with Chelsea one place and three points behind the Londoners and enjoying a 10 straight winning streak in all competitions. 

It represents our second meeting with the reigning champions following our eventful 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the Joie Stadium in October. 

And Taylor says he and his squad are confident ahead of our trip to the capital and excited by the challenge of Hayes’ team.

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He added: “Before Arsenal, I said the margins will be tight. You’re always having an understanding something can happen.

“You expect tight margins with two decent teams in decent form.

“We’re excited for the challenge. It brings an end to a period of games in different competitions after the international break but I’ve been so impressed with the dynamic of the team.

“[Recording] 10 [straight] wins is phenomenal in all competitions. It’s sparked high confidence and we’re excited about that final one before the break.”