Women’s Super League (WSL) Golden Boot winner Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw will miss the first leg of Manchester City’s Champions League qualifier against Paris FC on Wednesday due to a visa issue, a source told ESPN.

The Guardian first reported on Shaw’s expected absence, revealing that the Jamaican international did not travel to France following the incident. It also added that the club reportedly sent Shaw to the French embassy to apply for an emergency visa, but the request for an expedited procedure was rejected.

City have not reached the group stages of the Champions League since the 2021/22 season. Last season they finished fourth in the WSL, one place outside the qualifying spots. In the previous two seasons they were eliminated in the qualifying rounds by Real Madrid.

Despite City’s impressive summer transfer window – including the free signing of WSL record goalscorer Vivianne Miedema from Arsenal – Shaw’s absence will be felt having led City’s attack over the past two seasons.

The 27-year-old became City Women’s all-time top scorer last season, surpassing Georgia Stanway’s 64 goals.

In addition, she received the Golden Boot for scoring 22 goals in 18 games and was named WSL Player of the Season, Professional Footballers’ Association Women’s Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Association Women’s Player of the Year last season, despite missing the final month of the season through injury.

Paris FC knocked Arsenal and Wolfsburg out of continental competition in the qualifying rounds last season, finishing third in Group D ahead of Real Madrid. The two teams meet at the Stade Charlety in Paris on Wednesday before City travel to Arsenal on Sunday for the start of their WSL season.