Update on Ella Toone’s Injury and Its Impact on United and England

Ella Toone last participated for Manchester United in their final match before the winter break, securing a 2-1 victory over Tottenham in the League Cup quarter-finals. However, head coach Marc Skinner announced in January that the 26-year-old playmaker was experiencing “a bone stress response in her hip,” which was anticipated to sideline her for six to eight weeks from the date of his media statement, a couple of weeks ago.

On Thursday, Skinner offered an additional update on Toone’s situation as pivotal games approach for both Manchester United and the England national team. He confirmed that Toone would not participate in the upcoming Champions League match against Atletico Madrid. The Red Devils are set to travel to Madrid on Thursday for the first leg of this encounter, followed by the return leg in England on February 19.

“It simply needs time to heal,” Skinner explained, adding that Toone was scheduled to consult a specialist on Friday. “She won’t be involved in the first Champions League matches. Hopefully, if we manage to qualify, we can include her in the subsequent games.”

Based on the six to eight weeks recovery timeline provided by Skinner on January 21, the most optimistic scenario would see Toone return in the first week of March, while the longer recovery period could push her return to just before the next Champions League matches. Should United advance past Atletico this month, they would face Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, with the first leg slated for March 24 or 25 and the second leg following on April 1 or 2.

Toone’s return would significantly benefit United, especially against Bayern—one of the top teams in Europe, known for their impressive defensive record, having conceded only four goals in 15 Bundesliga games this season. Her presence would be crucial in attempting to breach their formidable defense.

In the interim, United must navigate key matches without their No. 7, starting with the clash against Atletico, where the Madrid side proved challenging during their previous encounter in the UWCL league phase, despite United managing a 1-0 victory even after losing Dominique Janssen to a controversial red card in the first half.

Additionally, United will face Leicester and London City Lionesses during this two-legged tie, culminating in a significant FA Cup fifth-round match against Chelsea on February 22.

Subsequently, an international break will follow, during which Toone is not expected to participate as she focuses on regaining full fitness. England will compete against Ukraine on March 3 and Iceland on March 7 as part of the 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign, but Toone will likely have to observe these matches from the sidelines.

The most favorable outcome would see Toone return post-international break in time for United’s League Cup final against Chelsea on March 15. However, that match may also elude her, as the team gears up for league games against West Ham and Everton, followed by a Champions League quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich, contingent on overcoming Atletico.

On a positive note, United’s recent January transfer window proved beneficial in enhancing the depth of their already talented but somewhat slender squad. Although they did not acquire another No. 10 like Toone, the signings of striker Lea Schuller and versatile forward Ellen Wangerheim will provide additional attacking options. Jess Park, who has often played on the wing, could also take on a central role, enriching the midfield dynamics already at United’s disposal.

For the England national team, coach Sarina Wiegman can call upon a plethora of attacking talent, with Lauren James’ recent return to fitness being particularly fortuitous given Toone’s absence. She, along with Park, Grace Clinton, Laura Blindkilde Brown, and Lucia Kendall, can fill the attacking midfield role, while Aggie Beever-Jones and Alessia Russo are also capable of stepping into this position if necessary.