Birmingham City Ladies goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger diagnosed with cancer

The 27-year-old is due to have surgery next month and the Women's Super League club have said they would support her throughout her treatment

Berger joined Birmingham from Paris St Germain in June 2016 (Getty)

Birmingham City Ladies goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, the club have announced.

The 27-year-old is due to have surgery next month and the club said they would support her throughout her treatment.

"Initially we were all devastated on hearing the news about Ann. However, when we sat down together and discussed the situation almost instantly Ann eradicated the fear and uncertainty," Blues Ladies manager Marc Skinner said on the club's website.

"She is one of the strongest people I have ever met and the way she conducts herself daily is a true inspiration to all of us."

The German-born Berger joined Birmingham from Paris St Germain in June 2016, having helped the French club reach the Champions League Final in 2015.

She has helped Blues reach the 2017 FA Cup Final and 2016 Continental Cup Final, finishing runner-up to Manchester City on both occasions, during her time in England.

Birmingham City director and CEO Xuandong Ren said: "Ann is part of our Blues family and we will help her in every possible way to come through this and return to what she loves doing, playing her football."