Manchester City striker Khadejah ‘Bunny’ Shaw will not be part of Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz squad for their upcoming friendly internationals against South American rivals Peru later this month. The announcement came earlier this morning during a press conference via Zoom with Reggae Girlz head coach, Hubert Busby.

Shaw, the reigning Player of the Season, had previously been absent in Manchester City’s FA Cup victory over Leicester City after enduring racist and misogynistic abuse following a tough 4-3 loss to Arsenal. Despite the adversity, she made a powerful return to the pitch in City’s subsequent 4-0 win over Liverpool, scoring twice in a dominant performance.

Explaining Shaw’s absence from the Reggae Girlz squad, Coach Busby confirmed that Shaw is currently on a minutes restriction set by Manchester City and Shaw will be welcomed back into the fold once she has fully recovered and is fit to play. The decision is part of an effort to ensure that Shaw returns to international duty at her peak condition, while respecting her club’s fitness management.

The 22-player squad announced for the friendlies, which will take place in Lima on February 23 and 26, also includes overseas-based talents such as Jazmin Ferguson and Nyema Ingleton. Ferguson, who plays for Louisiana State University, was recently named to the United Soccer Coaches’ “Defenders to Watch” list, while Ingleton, a rising star at Burnaby Central High School in British Columbia, is making waves in the Canadian soccer scene. Both players are in line to make their Reggae Girlz debut in these upcoming fixtures.

Also featuring in the squad are seasoned goalkeepers Rebecca Spencer, Aliyah Morgan, and Liya Brooks, as well as a solid defensive line-up consisting of Chantelle Swaby, Allyson Swaby, Naya Cardoza, Siobhan Wilson, Deneisha Blackwood, and Kameron Simmonds. The midfield will be led by Atlanta Primus, Njeri Butts, Amelia Van Zanten, Drew Spence, Jade Bailey, and Olofolasade Adamolekun. The forward line includes Tiffany Cameron, Kayla McKenna, Shanniel Buckley, Jody Brown, Reanna Blades, and Ricshya Walker.

Following the Peru friendlies, the Reggae Girlz will turn their attention to another set of international matches. The team will face Mexico on April 5 at the new CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, followed by a match on April 8 at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. The games are part of the third annual MexTour W, and are being used by the Reggae Girlz as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup and other international competitions.