Miyazawa and Watson back on the grass

Watson suffered an ACL (anterior-cruciate knee) injury in September, while on international duty with Scotland, and, while she has been in and around the team across the season, the 18-year-old has not yet featured in a United shirt in 2023/24.

Miyazawa has been ruled out since December, having fractured her ankle, while playing for Japan.

Watson was pictured running on the pitch on Friday afternoon, being welcomed back warmly by her team-mates.

Miyazawa took part in her second session on Friday too, as confirmed by Skinner in his media briefing earlier that day.

"It is likely that Jayde Riviere will miss the weekend – it’s probably too soon for her," he began, speaking before Sunday's WSL clash at West Ham (15:00 GMT kick-off).

"We [have] got some positive news - it looks like Emma Watson is straight-line running today, so that's positive. She's back on the field.

"Hinata is back on for a second session today as well, and then we're a few weeks away.

"Apart from that, they all come in this morning and we get to assess where they're at. So we'll obviously update after that. But, apart from that, I'm expecting everybody to be healthy." 

The Reds are looking to close the gap on third-placed Arsenal this weekend and, as the season continues, make up ground on Chelsea and Manchester City.

With United also still in the Adobe Women's FA Cup too, the sight of Watson and Miyazawa back on the grass is sure to be a pleasing one for our supporters, as the Reds look to utilise the squad between now and the end of the season in our quest for silverware.