Skinner provides update on Toone and Tullis-Joyce

The latter was absent from the matchday squad entirely on Wednesday night, as we recorded an historic UEFA Women's Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford, with Safia Middleton-Patel deputising excellently between the sticks, in just her second senior outing for the Reds.

Skinner confirmed after the game that Tullis-Joyce had taken a knock to the face in our last WSL appearance against Aston Villa, and was awaiting further medical checks.

"I think early this afternoon [Friday] she's meeting with the doctors," Skinner said in his press conference ahead of our league clash with crosstown rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. "We'll be able to know more there.

"I'm hoping she might be available for the weekend."

Toone was another notable absentee from the starting XI at the Theatre of Dreams in midweek, although the attacker did take a spot on the bench, and replaced Simi Awujo in the 69th minute.

Addressing that decision on Friday morning, the United Women's boss said: "Tooney, going into the game, had a little niggle, so it was just managing, really, managing her minutes.

"She'd obviously hit the game against Villa hard, so we were just making sure.

"And I really mean, it was a tiny niggle, but I didn't want it to get worse."

Pressed again on whether the England international is likely to be available for Saturday afternoon's game, Skinner was resolute.

"Absolutely," he said. "She's fit and healthy.

"With three games back to back in such a short period of time, it would have been irresponsible for us to risk her for the amount of 90s that obviously she'd love to do.

"You know Tooney, she wants to play every minute."

That will have been especially true on Wednesday night, with Toone a childhood United fan who always relishes the chance to appear at Old Trafford.

Skinner was the one tasked with delivering the news that she wasn't starting, which he revealed was a tough conversation, but one the 26-year-old handled brilliantly.

"She took it really well," Skinner said. "Really showed lots of maturity and really understands it actually comes from a place of trying to protect her and help the team.

"We love her for the spirit that she wants to play every minute, but I think she understood in this moment."

Toone will hope to be back in the thick of the action on Saturday afternoon, as we face league leaders City at the Etihad Stadium in a 13:30 GMT kick-off.

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