Angel McCoughtry was missing from the Atlanta Dream team as they landed at Manchester Airport today ahead of Sunday’s historic clash with Standard Life GB Women.

A knee injury has forced Dream's star player to remain in the USA as her team-mates flew to Britain for the first-ever WNBA game in Europe.

One player who did travel was Armintie Price, returning to the city where she made a flying visit just weeks ago.

“It’s brilliant to be coming back here. People told me two things about Manchester – it rained a lot and football.

“Sunday is going to be so exciting and full of action. And I would tell all the Manchester people to come down and see for themselves at the MEN Arena.”

The Arena will also welcome the global superstars of the NBA when they play in Manchester in July next year.

Both the USA Basketball's men’s and women’s national teams will take on the Standard Life GB Men's and Women's teams in the run-up to defending their Olympic titles in London.

Along with the WNBA game and the USA Basketball games scheduled for July 2012, the partnership will also bring the first-ever NBA pre-season game to Manchester in the autumn of 2013, marking the first time an NBA team has played in the UK outside of London.

Fans purchasing tickets for the WNBA event on Sunday will receive the first opportunity to buy what will be highly sought-after tickets for the USA Basketball v GB games next year.

Tickets for next month's game are still available from www.men-arena.com and www.ticketmaster.co.uk or via phone at 0844 847 8000. Tickets are priced at £20 and £35, with courtside seats available at £50 and £70.

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