Team News | Amanda Nilden back, City clash 'too soon' for Morris

Martin Ho will welcome back Amanda Nilden for our trip to Manchester City in the Barclays Women’s Super League at Joie Stadium on Saturday lunchtime (12noon UK).

The defender is available for selection once again after missing last weekend’s defeat to Everton due to a one-game suspension after accumulating five yellow cards in the competition.

It’s a positive boost for Martin as he will still be without two centre-backs Clare Hunt and Toko Koga plus forward Maika Hamano as they compete in the Women’s Asian Cup final on Saturday.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, our Head Coach told the media: "Amanda is back with the squad after suspension but, apart from that, we're all good."

Defender Ella Morris remains in full training with the squad as she continues her return from anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) and, although Martin confirmed that it will be too soon for her to feature this weekend, he is hoping for minutes against Arsenal the following Saturday.

“This is too soon,” he added, when asked about an update on Martin. “She should be available for some minutes against Arsenal. It’s more giving her opportunity to be in full contact training for numerous weeks before we push her on.

“You want to give her the opportunity to get comfortable and gain confidence in herself on the pitch, so this game a little bit too early but, she next week, she will be available for minutes if everything goes well in training that week.”

We still remain without long-term absentees Maite Oroz, Luana Buhler and Jess Naz for our clash with City.