Skinner explains injury absences against Leicester
Marc Skinner clarified after the final whistle why a number of Manchester United players were absent from Sunday's WSL victory over Leicester.
The names of Elisabeth Terland, Jayde Riviere, Simi Awujo and Anna Sandberg were absent from the matchday squad for the visit of the Foxes following the international break. Lisa Naalsund also remained sidelined. But, positively, all are considered "on the cusp" of being available again.
Melvine Malard admirably deputised for Terland up front, but it was a blow for the in-form Norwegian after she had scored in every United game in February.
"Teri took a small break to her wrist, but you can manage these things with splints and so on. We're hopeful she can potentially come back over the next couple of weeks," Skinner said of the unfortunate situation.
Discussing United's Canadian pair, the boss continued: "Jayde was a muscle injury. She played two games back-to-back [for Canada] and you’ve got to look at loading, which is disappointing for us. Simi took a knock in training, which again happens. But, for me, it's about ensuring they come back."
Sandberg, who was part of Sweden's Under-23 squad last month, missed out against Leicester because of a sickness bug.
There is also hope that Naalsund will be available "very soon", having been ruled out through injury since November.
"It's really important that as they go away on international duty, they return as best they can be, because they want play this exciting end to the season," Skinner said.
The next international break is at the start of April. But attention for United now turns to next weekend's FA Cup quarter-final tie against Sunderland at Leigh Sports Village, with the Reds hoping to continue in the defence of our trophy.