Manchester United boss Marc Skinner has issued fitness updates on five key players following Sunday's Women's Super League (WSL) win against Leicester City.
It was a seventh straight league win for United, but several notable names were missing from the matchday squad off the back of a costly February international break.
Among those sidelined was in-form striker Elisabeth Terland, although Melvine Malard deputised expertly as she opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half. Leah Galton then scored United's second, laid on by Malard, and final goal of the game moments before the interval.
Along with Terland, there was no Jayde Riviere, Simi Awujo, or Anna Sandberg. Lisa Naalsund also remained sidelined after last featuring in November. But leaning on squad depth to get the result, after Leciester fought back in the second half, was crucial for the Red Devils to keep the pressure on Chelsea, who then dropped points later in the day with a draw away at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Speaking after the full time whistle, Skinner explained Terland's absence, but indicated her injury isn't thought to be too serious.
"Teri took a small break to her wrist," the manager told manutd.com. "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."
When asked about the absence of United's Canadian duo Riviere and Awujo, Skinner added: "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."
Skinner then confirmed that Sandberg's absence against the Foxes was due to a sickness bug, while Naalsund is expected to be available for selection again soon.
United now face a crucial month in the context of their season. They return to FA Cup action this weekend with a quarter-final clash against Championship side Sunderland, where a win would take them one step closer to retaining the trophy they lifted last season.
After that, they face two tough away games in the WSL, starting with a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool under the lights on Friday, March 14, followed by Aston Villa away on March 23. The month concludes with the visit of Everton at Leigh Sports Village on March 30.
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