GOD55News | Ella Toone Out! Man Utd & England Struck by Injury Blow

Ella Toone will miss both legs of Manchester United's Champions League play-off clash with Atletico Madrid this month and she is also unlikely to be included in the next England squad, ahead of the Lionesses' 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying campaign beginning against Ukraine in March. The midfielder is recovering from a hip issue that has sidelined her since December.

Toone's Champions League Heartbreak and Lionesses' Worry

This is a crushing setback for both club and country. Marc Skinner, Manchester United's head coach, confirmed on Thursday that Toone will be unavailable for the high-stakes Champions League encounter with Atletico Madrid. The Red Devils face a challenging first leg away in Spain, followed by the return fixture on February 19th at home. Losing their influential playmaker for such a critical European tie is a significant challenge.

Beyond club duties, Toone's injury also casts a dark cloud over England's ambitions. The Lionesses kick off their 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying campaign in March, with matches against Ukraine (March 3rd) and Iceland (March 7th). It's highly probable that the England international will be watching from the sidelines as her teammates begin their journey.

The Road to Recovery: When Can Fans Expect Her Back?

Initially diagnosed in January with a "bone stress response in her hip," Toone faces a recovery period of **six to eight weeks**. This timeline places her earliest possible return in the first week of March. Head coach Skinner noted that **Toone** is scheduled to see a specialist, emphasizing that the injury simply "needs time to heal."

While missing the upcoming **Atletico Madrid** ties is confirmed, there's a glimmer of hope for later fixtures. If **Manchester United** progresses in the Champions League, the quarter-finals are slated for **March 24th/25th** and **April 1st/2nd**. A best-case scenario could also see her back for the **League Cup final** against **Chelsea** on **March 15th**, though this remains tight given the recovery window. Fans will be eagerly awaiting further updates on her progress.

How Manchester United Plans to Adapt Without Their Star No. 7

The absence of **Ella Toone** creates a void, but Manchester United is fortunate to have bolstered its squad during the January transfer window. The arrivals of striker **Lea Schuller** and versatile forward **Ellen Wangerheim** provide more attacking options and tactical flexibility. While not direct replacements for a No. 10, these additions, coupled with the ability of players like **Jess Park** to operate in a central midfield role, will be crucial.

The team will need to navigate league matches against **Leicester** and **London City Lionesses**, followed by a tough **FA Cup** fifth-round clash against **Chelsea** on **February 22nd**, all without their creative engine. Should they advance in the Champions League, a potential tie against **Bayern Munich** would demand peak performance, highlighting the importance of their squad depth.

England's Midfield Depth Under the Spotlight

For the England Lionesses, **Toone's** absence is undoubtedly a blow, but manager **Sarina Wiegman** commands a wealth of talent. The timely return of **Lauren James** to full fitness is a welcome boost. Alongside **James**, the squad boasts several players capable of excelling in an attacking midfield role, including **Grace Clinton**, **Laura Blindkilde Brown**, and **Lucia Kendall**.

Experienced forwards like **Alessia Russo** and emerging talents like **Aggie Beever-Jones** can also drop deeper to support the attack if needed. While **Toone's** unique flair and vision will be missed, the strength in depth available to **England** should allow them to navigate the early stages of their **World Cup** qualifying campaign effectively.