Ella Toone has suffered a major injury setback, with the Manchester United midfielder expected to be sidelined until at least March. The England international has a bone stress in her hip but won’t require surgery, with Marc Skinner confirming she will return before the end of the season.
“She’ll be back before the end of the season. So, it’s probably about six to 10 weeks, depending on how it was from the point of it. So, you’re probably looking around six to eight weeks, something like that. Yeah, she’ll be back before the end of the season and ready to go. We’ll be looking forward to welcoming her back,” Skinner said.
Manchester United manager Marc Skinner has provided a promising fitness update on Ella Toone while announcing the signing of Swedish striker Ellen Wangerheim as the latest addition to the squad during the January transfer window. Toone's potential return to the pitch could not…
— Sports News on X with Michael (@Michael10671993) January 16, 2026
Massive Loss for United’s Top Three Push
The timing could not be worse for United, who are entering the business end of the season fighting for a top three finish. Toone has started in 11 of United’s 12 WSL games this season with three goals and five assists to her name. Her five assists lead the entire league in creating chances for teammates, making her absence absolutely devastating for the Red Devils.
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United sit fifth in the WSL table with a gap already forming between them and Chelsea in second. Only the top three teams earn automatic Champions League qualification and losing your most creative player for two months during this crucial period is a nightmare scenario.
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Will Miss Champions League Last 16
Toone will definitely miss United’s Champions League last 16 tie against Atletico Madrid in early February. The Red Devils beat the Spanish side 1-0 in the league phase but facing them without their most creative midfielder makes the task significantly harder.
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If the 26 year old returns in six weeks as expected, she could be back shortly after March’s international break. However, it is highly unlikely Toone will be fit enough to join Sarina Wiegman’s first England squad in 2026.
Also read: Ella Toone Stars With Goal and Three Assists as England Thrash China 8-0 at Wembley in Dominant Display