Skinner delivers good news on Bizet and Sandberg

Both players were forced off with injuries in last weekend’s 4-0 victory over Villa Park but, in his latest Q&A with club media, Marc delivered the good news that the pair are back in training.

It’s a welcome boost for the Reds ahead of the WSL clash at Leigh Sports Village, which is due to get under way at 12:00 BST.

“In all honesty, both have trained today so it’s really good news,” Marc told Zarah Connolly in an interview with club media, recorded on Wednesday.

“Anna’s come through, she had a scan [on a suspected hamstring issue]. All fine, which was really good news.

“Celin took that heavy blow [from a Danielle Turner challenge] but has come through and trained today.

“So, both are expected to be in the squad and in contention for the game on Sunday.”

One Red who won’t be available this weekend is former Everton defender Gabby George, who will serve a one-match suspension having picked up her fifth yellow card of the WSL season in the victory at Villa Park.

The availability of Sandberg, who came on for George at left-back last weekend, is sure to be even more of a positive then, as United look to take another step towards qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Skinner’s side need three wins from our final five league games to secure a second-ever European campaign, although the boss says his players can’t look any further than the immediate task of facing Everton, who are a side on the up under Brian Sorensen.

The Toffees were winless across their opening seven fixtures in the competition this term, but have since won five and drawn one of the last 10, and are now in touching distance of progressing into the top half of the table.

“We know what’s in front of us, we know the challenges that we face,” Marc added. “I read a stat this morning that Everton are one of the most in-form teams in the league.

“Brian’s been able to bring in some reinforcements in the [winter transfer] window which have made them a lot better, but they’ve always been coached well by Brian, and it’s always been a tough challenge for us.

“We can’t really go beyond that – we know mathematically what we’ve got to do [to secure Champions League football], but it starts on Sunday and that’s all we can focus on.”