Toone’s Injury Update: Challenges for Manchester United and England

omidbasir- In January, manager Marc Skinner confirmed that Ella Toone was dealing with a “bone stress response in her hip,” which would sideline her for approximately six to eight weeks. If she could return by the earlier end of that timeline, it would allow her to participate in the first week of March, just ahead of the League Cup final against Chelsea on March 15.

However, Skinner’s recent statements suggest that Toone’s return is unlikely within that timeframe. During a press conference on Saturday, when asked if Toone would be a doubt for the League Cup final, Skinner replied, “Potentially, yes. It probably comes a bit too soon.”

This injury is a significant setback for Manchester United, not only because Toone will miss the cup final but also due to her absence in several other important matches. Fortunately, United’s impressive 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in Spain on Thursday has lessened the pressure for the upcoming second leg of the Champions League knockout play-off, which is now less critical than it could have been. Nonetheless, Toone will also miss a crucial FA Cup tie against Chelsea next weekend.

Following the League Cup final, the Red Devils will face West Ham and Everton, both of which are vital for their efforts to secure Champions League qualification. Skinner indicated that they are targeting the Manchester derby on March 29 as a potential date for Toone’s return, stating, “I would imagine we’re aiming for around the Manchester City game. Hopefully, we can welcome her back then.”

If United progresses to the Champions League quarter-finals, as anticipated after their strong win in Madrid, Toone may be unavailable for the first leg of that tie against Bayern Munich on March 24 or 25.

The ramifications of Toone’s injury extend beyond Manchester United, impacting the England national team as well. England’s first training camp of 2026 begins later this month, coinciding with the Lionesses’ initial qualifiers for the 2027 Women’s World Cup against Ukraine on March 3 and Iceland on March 7. Given the latest updates on Toone’s injury, she is likely to miss this important international break, which is a significant loss for head coach Sarina Wiegman’s squad.

Wiegman is expected to announce her squad for these matches on Tuesday morning and will need to evaluate her attacking options without both Toone and Beth Mead, who has also been ruled out due to a hairline fracture in her shin. Although England is favored to win both matches, they cannot afford any missteps, especially in a competitive group that includes Spain, where only the group winner will qualify automatically for the tournament in Brazil.

Currently, Toone remains a prominent absentee for United. The squad has greater depth to manage injuries, thanks in part to a successful January transfer window; however, that depth is currently being tested. Full-back Anna Sandberg limped off with a calf injury in Madrid, which will be evaluated in the coming days. Additionally, Sweden forward Fridolina Rolfo missed that match as well as Sunday’s league clash with London City Lionesses. Melvine Malard was also a surprising absentee.

Winger Leah Galton continues to be sidelined due to a back injury that has prevented her from playing in 2026, while Celin Bizet is currently unavailable as she prepares for the arrival of her first child. Furthermore, Hinata Miyazawa is set to participate in the Asian Cup after the FA Cup match against Chelsea, which concludes on March 21, likely ruling her out of the League Cup final and complicating her return for the Champions League quarter-final, assuming the Nadeshiko meet expectations.