Marc Skinner has provided a fitness update on four players, ahead of Manchester United Women’s meeting with table-topping Chelsea on Friday evening.
The Reds will overtake the reigning Barclays WSL champions at the summit with victory at the Progress with Unity Stadium in Leigh, although Sonia Bompastor’s side haven’t lost in the top-flight since May 2024.
Skinner’s side are in fine fettle, however, having beaten Liverpool 2-0 last time out. We've conceded just one league goal this term.
Our options for the Blues clash have been boosted, with the news that Anna Sandberg should be available to return having missed the trip to Merseyside through illness.
The game is likely to come too soon for Leah Galton, but Simi Awujo could make the squad for the first time in 2025/26.
“Anna caught ill on the day, so that’s why she dropped out of the squad,”
explained Skinner in his pre-match press conference.
“She was given a late fitness test but couldn’t pass it. She should be fine coming into this game.
“Simi Awujo should be back in training today so should be part of the matchday squad. Leah’s training but probably will miss this one.”
The boss also provided a timescale on Millie Turner’s return, following the news that the knee injury she suffered at London City three weeks ago is not as serious as first feared.
We’re still unlikely to see the long-serving centre-back play again in 2025 though, according to Skinner.
“Millie with the knee injury she’s had, it wasn’t as bad as we first thought but she’ll probably be out until around Christmas time,”
he added.
“We’re hoping to welcome her back just after the new year. That will be the timescale and the plan hopefully.”
That will unfortunately rule Millie out of our six Champions League fixtures, the first of which arrives next Wednesday when Norwegian outfit Valerenga come to Leigh.