Skinner issues update on two absentees
Marc Skinner has revealed where Maria Thorisdottir and Lisa Naalsund are up to in their recovery, with Manchester United Women due to take on Aston Villa in a crucial WSL clash on Friday.
The Reds travel to the Bescot Stadium for the 19:15 BST kick-off, looking to do the league double on the Villans after defeating Carla Ward's side at Old Trafford back in December.
Skinner spoke to the media on Thursday morning ahead of that match, issuing an update on his squad and revealing which players he should have available for the crucial fixture.
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"Almost the same [as the Arsenal match]," he said, when asked about what his squad looked like for United Women's latest fixture in his pre-match press conference.
"Everyone is available, barring Lisa [Naalsund] and Maria [Thorisdottir]. Maria is progressing nicely, in terms of she's got a smile on her face, she's back in rehab.
"Lisa is ramping up. She's back in individual sessions and we are hoping to have her in team sessions either next week or in the week leading up to the FA Cup final."
On Wednesday, it was confirmed that Safia Middleton-Patel has gone on an emergency loan to Blackburn Rovers for the remainder of the season.
The club reported back in March that Thorisdottir would be out for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign due to a foot injury she sustained in our Vitality Women's FA Cup quarter-final win away at Lewes.
Naalsund was hurt in the same match, her debut for the Reds, and looks set to be back fit and available for Marc before the season is out.
On the topic of injuries, Skinner was asked for his thoughts on the timeframe women's players get to have a break between competitions, with the Women's World Cup set to commence in late July this year.
"The reality is players don't get enough time," he said. "We do a lot of work with allowing players extra days off to give them that mental break that's needed.
"Because we can't measure the mental side of the game, as well as the physical side of the game, sometimes it can be that you're fatigued in your brain and you put your foot in the wrong position or something and you risk injury.
"We have to look after the players, that's our priority."
Kick-off at the Bescot Stadium on Friday is at 19:15 BST and, for supporters in the UK, you will be able to watch the match live on BBC. You can also follow in our app for updates, with a report and reaction to follow after the full-time whistle.